2007 Volvo S40 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 83 kg more than 2004 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2007 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2007 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volvo S40 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
