1998 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1997 Volvo S40
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Volvo S40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Passat | 1997 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
