2001 Smart ForFour vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. 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, 1996 Volvo V40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForFour | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForFour | V40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
