1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 503 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | S40 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2560 mm |
