1951 Ford Vedette vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Vedette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Vedette would be higher. At 2,524 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1951 Ford Vedette. (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Vedette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 271 kg more than 1951 Ford Vedette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Ford Vedette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Ford Vedette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Vedette. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Vedette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Vedette | S40 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2800 mm |
