2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
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, 2003 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | S40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 8.9 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 | 1520 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
