2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | S40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 6.8 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 | 1204 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
