2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 282 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
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 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.7 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1522 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
