1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 319 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Corvette | S40 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 58 L |
