2005 Volvo V50 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,519 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 52 kg more than 2005 Volvo V50.
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 Volvo V50 (320 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (165 Nm). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volvo V50 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | V50 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2519 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1399 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
