1981 Toyota Soarer vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Soarer | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Soarer | S40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2759 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
