1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 795 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Cadillac Eldorado (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | Eldorado | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2650 mm |
