1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,524 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 212 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 2004 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2004 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Cavalier | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 68 L |
