1996 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Volvo S40
To start off, 1997 Volvo S40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S40. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 322 kg more than 1997 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S40. (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 1997 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Mustang | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4655 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
