2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 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 30 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 291 kg more than 2009 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 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:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 159 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 8 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 | 1630 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
