1978 Toyota Corolla vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 474 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Corolla | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corolla | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1384 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
