1968 Opel Olympia vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 2,398 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 653 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 1968 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (225 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia. 2007 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1968 Opel Olympia has manual transmission. 1968 Opel Olympia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Olympia | S40 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
