1974 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 33 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. 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 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | S40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
