2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 166 kg more than 2008 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
