2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Volvo 440
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 440 would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 440 (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 265 kg more than 1996 Volvo 440.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 440. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 440 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
