1970 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 945 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
