1996 Volvo S40 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
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 (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo S40 | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2512 mm |
