2008 Volvo S40 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S40. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S40. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volvo S40 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S40 | 146 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
