1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Because 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fairlane | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
