2003 Seat Altea vs. 1997 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Seat Altea is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Seat Altea. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Seat Altea weights approximately 180 kg more than 1997 Volvo S40.
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, 2003 Seat Altea (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S40. (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Seat Altea | 1997 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Seat | Volvo |
| Model | Altea | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
