1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 260 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40.
Because 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Cadillac Seville. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | Seville | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |
