2005 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
