1990 Nissan Laurel vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1990 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1990 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 249 kg more than 1990 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Nissan Laurel 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 1990 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Nissan Laurel | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Laurel | S40 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1808 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
