1996 Bentley Continental vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1050 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Bentley Continental 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 1996 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1996 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 655 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Bentley Continental | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Bentley | Volvo |
| Model | Continental | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 62 L |
