2011 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 242 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
