1988 Volvo 480 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Volvo 480. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480. 2006 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1988 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volvo 480 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 480 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 58 L |
