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 (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 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.
Because 1978 Cadillac Seville 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 Cadillac Seville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Cadillac Seville (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40.
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 | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1460 mm |
