1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 157 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | S40 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
