1979 Toyota Corona 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 Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 408 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Toyota Corona. 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corona. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corona | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corona | S40 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
