1996 Volvo S40 vs. 2009 Audi A4
To start off, 2009 Audi A4 is newer by 13 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), 2009 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A4 (218 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A4 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4 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, 2009 Audi A4 (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 2009 Audi A4 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo S40 | 2009 Audi A4 | |
| Make | Volvo | Audi |
| Model | S40 | A4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1731 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
