1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. 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 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (156 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Giulia | S40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
