2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1997 Volvo V40
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo V40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Volvo V40.
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, 1997 Volvo V40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo V40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1997 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | V40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
