2004 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 138 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Focus | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
