1972 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2005 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo S40 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2005 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S40 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1972 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 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo S40. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | 2005 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Corvette | S40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
