2009 Volvo S40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Volvo S40. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 745 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo S40 | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Routan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 78 L |
