1983 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1983 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1983 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Buick Electra weights approximately 351 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40.
Because 1983 Buick Electra 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 1983 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Buick Electra. (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Buick Electra | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | S40 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
