1997 Land Rover Discovery vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Land Rover Discovery. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Land Rover Discovery would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1997 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 655 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Because 1997 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Land Rover Discovery 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, both vehicles can yield 321 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Land Rover Discovery | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volvo |
| Model | Discovery | S40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3946 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
