2006 Volvo S40 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 50 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volvo S40 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
