2008 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 2 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 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2008 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Audi | Volvo |
| Model | A3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
