2001 Acura RL vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (168 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 175 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Acura | Volvo |
| Model | RL | S40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
