1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | S40 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
