1970 Buick Skylark vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,723 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1970 Buick Skylark. (155 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1970 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 370 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Because 1970 Buick Skylark 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 1970 Buick Skylark. 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1970 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1970 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Skylark | S40 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5723 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
