1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 488 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2006 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | S40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
