1963 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,353 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1963 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1963 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Corvette | S40 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5353 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
