1997 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,435 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 376 kg more than 2008 Volvo S40.
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, 2008 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. 2008 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Sharan | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Sharan | S40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
