2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 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 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2006 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
