Audi A3 2004 vs Volvo S40 2006
| Body: | Hatchback | Sedan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area. | |||
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
| Engine: | 1.6 Petrol | 1.6 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing belt | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 102 HP | 100 HP | |
| Torque: | 148 NM | 150 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 13.2 seconds | 12 seconds | |
|
Volvo S40 is a more dynamic driving. Audi A3 engine produces 2 HP more power than Volvo S40, but torque is 2 NM less than Volvo S40. Despite the higher power, Audi A3 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.6 | 7.2 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.4 l/100km | 7.8 l/100km | |
|
The Volvo S40 is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification Audi A3 consumes 0.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Audi A3 could require 60 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Audi A3 consumes 0.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 720 km in combined cycle | 760 km in combined cycle | |
| 980 km on highway | 940 km on highway | ||
| 650 km with real consumption | 700 km with real consumption | ||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 460'000 km | 440'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 10 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Audi A4, Seat Exeo | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Volvo V50, Volvo C30 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Audi A3 might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The Audi A3 engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.29 m | 4.47 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.77 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.45 m | |
|
Audi A3 is smaller. Audi A3 is 18 cm shorter than the Volvo S40, 1 cm narrower, while the height of Audi A3 is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 370 litres | 404 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1120 litres | 883 litres | |
| Audi A3 has 34 litres less trunk space than the Volvo S40. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Audi A3 (by 237 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.7 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Audi A3 is 0.3 metres less than that of the Volvo S40. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`855 | 1`800 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | average | |
| Audi A3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S40 has serious deffects in 15 percent more cases than Audi A3, so Audi A3 quality is probably better | |||
| Average price (€): | 3200 | 2200 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Audi A3 has
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Volvo S40 has
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