2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 1,731 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. 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 Fiat Punto (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Punto | V40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
