2003 Volvo S40 vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 459 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. 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 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Volvo | Wartburg |
| Model | S40 | 312 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 43 L |
