1981 Ford Granada vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Granada | S40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2650 mm |
