1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 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 139 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 134 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 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 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Corvette | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 62 L |
