1988 Citroen BX vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Citroen BX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Citroen BX would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 336 kg more than 1988 Citroen BX. 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | BX | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
