1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 32 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 344 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2008 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | S40 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 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 | 62 L |
