1988 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2009 Volvo S40 (241 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Passat | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
