2005 Toyota Prius vs. 1997 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Toyota Prius is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Prius weights approximately 75 kg more than 1997 Volvo S40.
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, 1997 Volvo S40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Prius. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Prius. 2005 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1997 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1997 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 1997 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Prius | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1494 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
