2003 Volvo S40 vs. 2006 Cadillac BLS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac BLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 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 (161 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Cadillac BLS. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2006 Cadillac BLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac BLS weights approximately 4 kg more than 2003 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, 2006 Cadillac BLS (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac BLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40. 2006 Cadillac BLS 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. 2006 Cadillac BLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 2006 Cadillac BLS | |
| Make | Volvo | Cadillac |
| Model | S40 | BLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1456 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
