2009 Volvo S40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 297 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo S40 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
