2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1997 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S40. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1483 kg more than 1997 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S40. (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1997 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volvo |
| Model | Defender | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
