1959 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 6,382 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (216 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 1147 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood 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 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | Fleetwood | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6382 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2572 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6160 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3810 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
