2009 Volvo S40 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 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 89 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 19 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, both vehicles can yield 320 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo S40 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
