2009 Volvo S40 vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel 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 130 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 199 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan Laurel is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo S40 | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | S40 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
