Volvo S40 2007 vs Volkswagen Golf 2008
| Body: | Sedan | Hatchback | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1.6 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 145 HP | 102 HP | |
| Torque: | 185 NM | 148 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.5 seconds | 11.3 seconds | |
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Volvo S40 is more dynamic to drive. Volvo S40 engine produces 43 HP more power than Volkswagen Golf, whereas torque is 37 NM more than Volkswagen Golf. Thanks to more power Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.8 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.4 | 7.1 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.2 l/100km | 7.6 l/100km | |
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The Volkswagen Golf is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Volvo S40 consumes 0.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Golf, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Volvo S40 could require 45 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Volvo S40 consumes 0.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Golf. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 740 km in combined cycle | 770 km in combined cycle | |
| 960 km on highway | 980 km on highway | ||
| 670 km with real consumption | 720 km with real consumption | ||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
| Ground clearance: | 135 mm (5.3 inches) | 150 mm (5.9 inches) | |
| Because of the higher ground clearance, Volkswagen Golf can perform better on bad roads - it can go over higher obstacles and bumps. At the same time, the higher ground clearance can reduce stability and handling on paved roads, especially at higher speeds. Note, however, that this Volkswagen Golf version does not have 4x4 drive, which is very important in poor road conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 480'000 km | 480'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 10 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 4 other car models, including Volvo V70, Volvo S80, Volvo V50, Volvo C30 | Installed on at least 5 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Audi A3, Volkswagen Touran | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Volkswagen Golf might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | no | yes | |
| The Volkswagen Golf 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. | |||
| Volkswagen Golf 2008 1.6 engine: This engine is simple and reliable, rarely causing significant issues for owners.
Fluctuating idle speed is often linked to a clogged fuel pump strainer or air leaks in the intake system. If vibrations or ... More about Volkswagen Golf 2008 1.6 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.48 m | 4.20 m | |
| Width: | 1.77 m | 1.79 m | |
| Height: | 1.45 m | 1.48 m | |
| Volvo S40 is 28 cm longer than the Volkswagen Golf, 2 cm narrower, while the height of Volvo S40 is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 404 litres | 350 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
883 litres | 1305 litres | |
| Volvo S40 has 54 litres more trunk space than the Volkswagen Golf. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Volkswagen Golf (by 422 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 11 meters | |
| Power steering: | Hydraulic power steering | Electric power steering | |
| Hydraulic power steering is technologically more complex, louder, increases fuel consumption and requires more servicing. It has the advantages of more power, less strain on the car's electrical system and better feedback (feeling) when steering. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`850 | 1`780 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | below average | above average | |
| Volkswagen Golf has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S40 has serious deffects in 30 percent more cases than Volkswagen Golf, so Volkswagen Golf quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 4200 | 3800 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Volvo S40 has
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Volkswagen Golf has
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