1974 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo GT. (87 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo GT. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo GT 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 GT. 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo GT. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo GT | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | GT | S40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2160 mm | 2560 mm |
