2006 Volvo S40 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2006 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volvo S40 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Volvo | Pontiac |
| Model | S40 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1948 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 69 L |
