1978 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 505 kg more than 2008 Volvo S40.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S40. (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Estate | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
