1979 Toyota Century vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Century. (167 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Century weights approximately 462 kg more than 2008 Volvo S40.
Because 1979 Toyota Century 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 1979 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1979 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S40. 1979 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 2008 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2008 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Century | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Century | S40 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
