1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 127 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40.
Because 1970 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | S40 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2650 mm |
