2003 Volvo S40 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 2000 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2512 mm |
