2001 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 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 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | New Beetle | S40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
