1997 Bentley Continental vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1052 kg more than 2004 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1997 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 650 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S40. (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo S40. 1997 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 2004 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2004 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Bentley Continental | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Bentley | Volvo |
| Model | Continental | S40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3120 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 17.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 60 L |
