1996 Volvo V40 vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Volvo V40 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 1981 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40, 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 Volvo V40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla. 1981 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo V40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo V40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo V40 | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volvo | Toyota |
| Model | V40 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
