The Volvo S40 and the Volvo S60 are sedans from the Sweden manufacturer Volvo Cars that look very similar at first glance, but were designed for different needs. In this article we will take a look at the differences between the two cars.

Definitions

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Volvo Cars launched its highly popular sedan the Volvo S40 in 1995, and during the subsequent seventeen years there were more than 350,000 vehicles produced. In 2012, there was a significant drop in sales of the Volvo S40, and the model was replaced by the hatchback Volvo V40.

The Volvo S40 was the first vehicle that gained a four-star safety rating from The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP.)

In 1998, a racing modification of the Volvo S40 won the prestigious British Touring Cup Championship with the driver Rickard Rydell behind the wheel.

In the United States, the Volvo S40 has its specifics in the following configuration:

• Only the 2.0 Turbo engine is available, while in Europe, there is the optional classic 1.9 turbo engine.
• There are no Volvo S40s with five-speed manual transmission in the United States. The existing cars are only available with five- speed automatic transmission, while in Europe there are both options.

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The Volvo S60 belongs to the class of executive cars. The model was introduced in 2000 and survived two generations. The Volvo S60 is still being produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars. The estate modification of the second generation of the Volvo S60 is labeled as Volvo V60.

The Volvo S60 is constructed on the reputable P2 platform by Volvo Cars. The executive car from Volvo was launched to compete with such rivals as BMW’s 3 series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and outlived representatives of both families.

The Volvo S60 is well-established and now is the manufacturer’s top-selling model in the sedan category.

Comparison chart

Volvo S40 vs Volvo S60

What is the difference between the Volvo S40 and the Volvo S60?

Overview & Dimensions

• The Volvo S40 is a “normal” compact sedan. This car is a good option for beginners and for those who enjoy a fast ride on city streets. The Volvo S60, on the other hand, is a more prestigious and classy car. The Volvo S60 rides smoothly and looks more solid to the observer. It is what it is – the compact executive car.
• The dimensions of the Volvo S40 are: width: 5’9”; height: 4’9”; length: 14’8”. The Volvo S 60, on the other hand, is a slightly bigger vehicle. Dimensions of the S60 are: width: 6’1”; height: 4’10”; length: 15’2”.

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Differences in the interior

• Inside the Volvo S40, there is an unusually designed central console and fine upholstery. The Volvo S60, on the other hand has a more classic, iconic interior design, owing to executive car class standards.

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Differences in the performance

• The Volvo S40 has a base 5 cylinder 2.5 liter turbo engine which is capable of 230 horsepower. These are pretty good numbers for a compact sedan. The Volvo S60, on the other hand, is powered by the same 5 cylinder 2.5 liter engine, but capable of only 210 horsepower.

Competitors

• The Volvo S40  competes mainly with Toyotas. The S40’s rivals include  the Toyota Corolla and the  Toyota Camry XLE. On the other hand, the executive Volvo S60 has among its German competitors the Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL and the Volkswagen CC Sport. The Japanese rivals of the Volvo S60 include the Honda Accord EX-L and the Honda Civic Si.

Differences in the price

• Despite the difference in the class, the two Volvo sedans are priced somewhat similarly. The price range for the Volvo S40 is US$28 000 – 32 000, while the price range for the Volvo S60 is US$31 000- 43000.