2004 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 299 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | New Beetle | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1331 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
