1999 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 538 kg more than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1999 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Prizm | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Prizm | S40 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2650 mm |
