1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2005 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo S40 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Volvo S40. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 365 kg more than 2005 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo S40. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo S40. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2005 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2005 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2005 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Caprice | S40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
