1996 Volvo S40 vs. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne
To start off, 2012 Bentley Mulsanne is newer by 16 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 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Bentley Mulsanne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Bentley Mulsanne (505 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Mulsanne should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne weights approximately 1375 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 2012 Bentley Mulsanne 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 2012 Bentley Mulsanne. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2012 Bentley Mulsanne (1,018 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 854 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Bentley Mulsanne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne 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. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo S40 | 2012 Bentley Mulsanne | |
| Make | Volvo | Bentley |
| Model | S40 | Mulsanne |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1731 cc | 6800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 505 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 1018 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 2585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1521 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3266 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 96 L |
