1996 Toyota Corolla vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volvo S40 (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (111 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corolla | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1330 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2650 mm |
