2003 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Oldsmobile Alero would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 98 kg more than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has automatic transmission and 2008 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2008 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volvo |
| Model | Alero | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
