1996 Volvo S40 vs. 2013 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2013 Toyota Avalon is newer by 17 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Avalon (154 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 340 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.
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, 2013 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 2013 Toyota Avalon 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. 2013 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo S40 | 2013 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Volvo | Toyota |
| Model | S40 | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 64 L |
