1998 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 2 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 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 26 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Focus | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
