1978 Toyota Corona vs. 1999 Volvo S40
To start off, 1999 Volvo S40 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. Both 1978 Toyota Corona and 1999 Volvo S40 are equipped with a 1,588 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S40 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volvo S40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Corona | 1999 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corona | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
