2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 7 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2009 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. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda 3 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
Make | Mazda | Volvo |
Model | 3 | S40 |
Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2521 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 227 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1339 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |