1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 342 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Corvette | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2560 mm |
