1983 Toyota Starlet vs. 2005 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo S40 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,950 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S40 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1983 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet. 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, 2005 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Starlet | 2005 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Starlet | S40 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
