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: | Manual | Manual | |
| Engine: | 2.0 Petrol | 2.0 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain and belt | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 150 HP | 145 HP | |
| Torque: | 200 NM | 185 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.1 seconds | 9.5 seconds | |
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Audi A3 is more dynamic to drive. Audi A3 engine produces 5 HP more power than Volvo S40, whereas torque is 15 NM more than Volvo S40. Thanks to more power Audi A3 reaches 100 km/h speed 0.4 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.9 | 7.4 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 7.8 l/100km | 8.4 l/100km | |
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The Audi A3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Audi A3 consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40, which means that by driving the Audi A3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 75 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Audi A3 consumes 0.6 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 790 km in combined cycle | 740 km in combined cycle | |
| 1000 km on highway | 960 km on highway | ||
| 700 km with real consumption | 650 km with real consumption | ||
| Audi A3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 480'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Volvo S40 engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 5 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 9 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Golf, Seat Altea, Seat Leon | Installed on at least 4 other car models, including Volvo V70, Volvo S80, 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 | |
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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`875 | 1`850 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | above average | |
| Audi A3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S40 has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than Audi A3, so Audi A3 quality is probably slightly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 3200 | 2400 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Audi A3 has
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Volvo S40 has
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