Audi A4 vs. Volvo S40
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A4 and Volvo S40 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A4 and the Volvo S40.
When we compare the Audi A4's and the Volvo S40's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Volvo S40 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A4's and the Volvo S40's specifications and ratings, the Volvo S40 is a better car than the Audi A4.
Pricing: A used 2011 Audi A4 ranges from $5,597 to $12,510 while a used 2011 Volvo S40 is priced between $3,962 to $9,999.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A4’s base engine makes 211 horsepower, and the Volvo S40 base engine makes 227 horsepower. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The S40 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 477 miles. This gives the Audi A4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volvo S40. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volvo S40 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room and cargo space. The Audi A4, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Audi A4 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$38,783
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$29,610 - $55,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$27,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$8,736
Price Range:
$5,597 - $12,510
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$13,284
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$8,736 - $39,547
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
51
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
114,472
# Good or Great Deals:
12
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$7,539
Price Range:
$3,962 - $9,999
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
111,220
# Good or Great Deals:
2
Audi A4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volvo S40 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volvo S40
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.1 - 51
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Audi A4 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Ranking
31 out of / 36Volvo S40 Rankings
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A4 Trim Levels
2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 2.0T quattro Premium, 2.0T quattro Premium Plus, 2.0T quattro Prestige, 2.0T quattro Avant Premium, 2.0T quattro Avant Premium Plus, 2.0T quattro Avant Prestige
Volvo S40 Trim Levels
T5, T5 R-Design
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
211 hp @ 4300 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
227 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
236 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 30 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
5
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 30 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
334 / 477 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
12.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
92.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3527 lbs
Width:
79 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Length:
185.2 inches
Wheelbase:
110.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3363 lbs
Width:
69.7 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
176.2 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/50R17
Exterior Colors
Beige
Dakar Beige Metallic
Black
Brilliant Black / Phantom Black Pearl Effect
Blue
Deep Sea Blue Pearl
Brown
Teak Brown Metallic
Gray
Meteor Gray Pearl Effect / Quartz Gray Metallic
Red
Brilliant Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Ibis White
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Barents Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Titanium Gray Metallic
Red
Flamenco Red Metallic
Silver
Silver Metallic
White
Ice White
Interior Colors
Beige
Cardamom Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Light Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Calcite / Dark Beige with Quartz Beige
Black
Not available
Gray
Off Black
