Audi A3 vs Volvo S40 12/20/2010
Most drivers assume that they'll be paying more than $30,000 to get a luxury vehicle, but lately high-end automakers have introduced some more affordable entry-level offerings in the compact car class.
The Audi A3 and Volvo S40 are two prime examples of this recent trend. With the A3 priced at $27,270 and the S40 at $27,750, both of these luxury vehicles can be had at a very non-luxury price.
Volvo's reputation for safety continues with the S40, and the company's warranty is a full year or 10,000 miles longer than Audi's. However, the S40 also offers drivers excellent performance through the use of a somewhat unconventional inline 5-cylinder engine. This extra cylinder provides the S40 with 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the A3's 200 hp and 207 lb-ft. Yet the S40 and A3 have the exact same fuel economy.
Still, most luxury shoppers are more concerned with interior features. Unfortunately for Audi, the S40 also wins out here too. With HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity and power seats all standard, the initially more-expensive S40 more than makes up for its price tag. The A3 does come with the nice option of standard dual climate control, but every other nifty feature will cost drivers extra.
If drivers are true fans of Audi but can't afford the more expensive vehicles in the lineup, the A3 is a solid compromise. But the S40 beats it in nearly every category.