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Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Price Comparison

Volvo S40 vs Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Price Comparison:
Volvo S40 vs Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Price Comparison: - photograph by Ben C.

TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Volvo S40 and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI. Including:

 

Calculate Payments

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Summary

For the Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the S40 vs. Golf / Rabbit / GTI Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the S40 and Golf / Rabbit / GTI will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI's price is $2,968 lower than the Volvo S40 T5's price

Each car includes features you didn't request, and that aren't included on the other car. In the S40 vs. Golf / Rabbit / GTI Features Comparison table we've tallied these features up and assigned monetary values to them using the site's default values. For example, compared to the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI, the Volvo S40 T5 includes additional features worth $2725. The TrueDelta Value Comparison figures include adjustments for most differences in feature content. However, they do not include advertising fees, factory-to-dealer incentives, or differences in engines, tires, seat configurations, and audio systems. Exceptions: They do include values for third-row seats and media players. Additional notes

0 In this case, despite a $2725 adjustment for the Volvo S40 T5's additional features, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI is $2,968 less than the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI.

TrueDelta Value Comparison: Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 2,968
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 2,872
Model Year20082007
ModelS40Golf / Rabbit / GTI
TrimT5GLI
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Engine227hp I5hp
TransmissionT5S6
DrivetrainAWDFWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)18/26 MPG25/32 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers160, 8250, 10
Tire (rear if not all the same)205/50-17225/45-17
Total Price38,94733,254
Adjustments for Features-2,7250
Feature-Adjusted Total Price36,22233,254
Total Invoice36,02630,633
Adjustments for Features-2,5210
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice33,50530,633

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Invoice Comparison: Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Price Comparison (MSRP): Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

The sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.

Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.

Lowest Total Price: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI
Difference: 5,693
Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GLI
Difference: 5,393
Model Year20082007
ModelS40Golf / Rabbit / GTI
TrimT5GLI
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Base Price28,51524,110
Base Invoice26,80422,434
Premium Package2,350 
Dynamic Trim Package1,595 
Climate Package412 
Metallic paint (extra cost)475 
Navigation system2,2051,800
Xenon HID headlights800 
AWD1,850 
Package 2 3,500
6-speed automated manual 1,075
Body kit 1,650
Rear spoiler 479
Premium Package 0
Dynamic Trim Package 0
Climate Package 0
Metallic paint (extra cost) 0
Navigation system 1,589
Xenon HID headlights 0
AWD 0
Package 2 3,197
6-speed automated manual 1,073
Body kit 1,390
Rear spoiler 310
Total options9,6878,504
Total options8,4777,559
Destination745640
Total Price38,94733,254
Total Invoice36,02630,633

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While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.

 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Volvo S40

Price of the Volvo S40: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20074dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed manual FWD
We bought ours used with only 18k miles on it. It was about 50 percent off the MSRP of a new 2010. A friend was surprised that we paid about the same she did for her Hyundai.
20054dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Price was reasonable and there were good discounts.
Price of the Volvo S40: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20074dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Even with substantial discounts, the price is on the high side, and there is little support from Volvo for good finance deals or leases.
20064dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Expensive vehicle...paying for the name.
20054dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Volvos are pricey and they depreciate very fast. This is a good thing if you buy a three year old car, like I did. I feel like I got a good deal by buying used. I would never buy a new Volvo. Volvo pricing is a la cart, so every item costs extra.

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20134dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
The TDI was more than $7,000 cheaper than a Golf R. You have to really want the R to pay the premium. I wanted it more than my wife did. Guess who won? Three months later, I'm very happy with the economy but feeling no pain as the car is still great to drive everyday.
20114dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
For 35 percent less monthly than the BMW I can own the car rather than lease.
20102dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For the amount of standard equipment (ESP, 6-speed tiptronic, 170 hp engine), it is actually cheaper than a similarly configured Honda Civic or even Fit. Great value for money.
20092dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Relatively low payment, get lots of nonstandard options as standard on VWs
20082dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Purchased as a used-corp. leased vehicle at a 30%+ discount
20082dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
I paid 23K for a 2008 with 6K miles.
20082dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Reasonable trade-in value on the 2002 GTI, + incentives, "drive-away" lease program = $88/month.
20072dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Great value for the engineering and materials
20072dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For about $17,000, the best package of standard equipment available today! Aircon, 4-wheel disk brakes, stability control, electric-assist power steering, power everything, remote entry, alarm, zippy 2.5 liter engine, comfortable seats, large cargo room
20072dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The GTI was much cheaper then most other cars I was considering (3-series, A4, 9-3, TSX, and G35).
20024dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
$15,000 is a good price given that it carries 4 people+ gear in good comfort, gets decent fuel economy, and has an interior looking at least one class above.
Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20122dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
I mentioned earlier that the Golf is still assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany, and hasn't been moved to any of VW's new world plants. This might be a mark in its favor vis-à-vis quality control, but the Euro-dollar exchange rate is not your friend on this model. 18K is a steep base price in this segment (although, to be fair, you often have to step up to some kind of "sport" trim line in other cars to get remotely competitive refinement). Things only get worse from here, as the jump to a GTI or a TDI is quite brutal. But if you just remind yourself that you're buying into the cheapest European car to be had in the United States, a car of exquisite refinement, I find that the sting goes away very quickly!
20104dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
There are many other similarly sized cars that cost much less. The extra cost gets you the better handling, faster engine, and higher quality interior.
20092dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
not willing to deal at all, I get a supplier discount and it didnt matter
20082dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
they are a little pricey compared to others with similar MPG
20072dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Pretty expensive to buy in Canada
20064dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
VW golf seems to be priced a lot higher than equivalent japanese or north american compact cars.
20052dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The price was more than a Passat

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Features Comparison: Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Model Year20082007
ModelS40Golf / Rabbit / GTI
TrimT5GLI
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Transmission and Drivetrain 
5-speed manually-shiftable automatic$1000 
6-speed automated manual $1100
AWD$1700 
FWD $0
Accessories 
AC power outlet $100
Remote window/roof operation$15 
Universal garage door opener$100 
Cargo Management 
Air-conditioned storage compartment $50
Overhead sunglass holder $25
Climate Control and Infotainment 
CD changer, remote $200
Heated windshield washer nozzles $15
MP3-compatible player$50 
Rain-sensing wipers$175 
Rear air vents $100
Traffic information$50 
Variable intermittent wipers $75
Exterior 
Bodyside moldings$75 
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Auto-dimming rearview mirror$150 
Automatic-off headlights$25 
Fog light, rear$100 
Headlight washers$50 
Steering-linked headlights$150 
Powertrain 
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controls $100
Seats and Interior Trim 
Folding passenger seat$150 
Manual height adjuster, driver seat $50
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat $50
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seat$50 
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seat$50 
Memory system, driver seat$200 
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat $150
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat $150
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat$100 
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat$100 
Power height adjuster, driver seat$100 
Power height adjuster, passenger seat$100 
Power recliner, driver seat$100 
Power recliner, passenger seat$100 
Power tilt adjuster, driver seat$100 
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat$100 
Total Value of Features$4,890$2,165
Value of Feature Adjustments$2,725$0
Value of Feature Adjustments-2,5210

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Specifications Comparison: Volvo S40 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Model Year20082007
ModelS40Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Wheelbase103.9 in101.5 in
Length175.9 in179.3 in
Width69.7 in70.1 in
Height57.2 in57.4 in
Curb Weight3,447 lb.3,352 lb.
Fuel Capacity15.9 gal.14.5 gal.
Row 1 Headroom38.9 in38.5 in
Row 1 Shoulder Room55.2 in54.8 in
Row 1 Hip Room53.7 in0.0 in
Row 1 Legroom41.6 in41.2 in
Row 2 Headroom37.2 in37.2 in
Row 2 Shoulder Room54.1 in53.1 in
Row 2 Hip Room50.7 in0.0 in
Row 2 Legroom34.4 in35.4 in
Cargo Volume12.6 ft316.0 ft3

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Option Package Details
T5

Premium Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Leather seating surfaces900Yes
Sunroof900Yes
Power recline, passenger100No
Power fore-aft, passenger100No
Manual lumbar, passenger50Yes
Universal garage door opener100No
Auto-dimming rearview mirror150No
Memory system, driver200No
Power height, passenger100No
Power tilt, passenger100No
Compass25Yes
205/50R17 tires400No
Total Requested187560%
Total Not Requested125040%
Dynamic Trim Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Body kit350Yes
Rear spoiler200Yes
Sport suspension (upgrade)250Yes
205/50R17 tires400No
Total Requested80067%
Total Not Requested40033%
Climate Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Heated300Yes
Rain-sensing wipers100No
Headlight washers50No
Total Requested30067%
Total Not Requested15033%

Option Package Details
GLI

6-speed automated manual
FeatureValueRequested?
6-speed automated manual0Yes
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controls100No
Total Requested00%
Total Not Requested100100%
Navigation system
FeatureValueRequested?
Navigation system600Yes
CD changer, remote-125No
Total Requested600126%
Total Not Requested-125-26%
Package 2
FeatureValueRequested?
Front seat active head restraints50Yes
Leather seating surfaces900Yes
Automatic climate control, front200Yes
Power lumbar, 4-way, driver100No
Power lumbar, 4-way, passenger100No
Dual-zone climate control125Yes
AC power outlet100No
Monsoon, 250W, 10 speakers350No
Sunroof900Yes
Satellite radio200Yes
Heated300Yes
Heated windshield washer nozzles15No
Total Requested267580%
Total Not Requested66520%

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What Our Members Are Saying about Volvo S40 Materials and Workmanship

Available Features of the Volvo S40: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
very well made compares to the 3 series BMW that I traded in.
2006 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Very solid feeling, everything well put together.
Materials and Workmanship of the Volvo S40: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Cheap glove box door and locking mechanism. Lots of shortcuts on the interior materials including the headliner and seat parts.
2005 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
Good materials, but not always flawlessly put together.

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What Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Materials and Workmanship

Available Features of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Here is the true selling point for the Golf for those who value substance and quality vs Style and quantity of accouterments. Almost every surface in the front and rear has heft and depth in quality to it. If the VW logo on the steering were replaced with an Audi's one would be ok with it. But its phenomenal that it can be had for just above $17K. No other economy car comes even close. Paint quality is exceptional and "orange peel" effect is minimal and hard to identify. Under body and under hood plastics feel and look of good quality and well designed. No flashy designs here. Guaranteed, 10 years from now - it will still look fresh.
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
Both cars seem well made, but the Honda had huge expanses of cheap-feeling plastic, whereas more of the VW were soft-touch. The Golf felt more precise and doors closed softly and firmly, seats moved easily, and controls felt better.
2012 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
It's hardly a secret at this point that, whatever else VW has done with its U.S. models, the Golf is exceptionally refined and well-made both inside and out. Materials feel luxurious, especially on the dash; you really have to search to find a hard or flimsy piece of plastic. VW even bothered to cover the seatbelt fasteners with some kind of faux velvet. The seats are comfortable and sporty, and they look about as good as cloth can look - with a kind of textured stitching that also serves to keep you from sliding around. I've put 25K miles on the car and the seats are still as springy and firm as when I bought it. Perhaps best of all, the doors (at least on my 3-door version) are weighty and shut with an extremely satisfying thunk. This car feels far more luxurious than its price would suggest.
2012 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Materials seem good for the class. Some plastic looks cheap, but not bad for the price point.
2011 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Soft touch, well made materials all around, the very few areas where VW cheaped out are in out of the way locations.
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
The materials in this car are top notch. I am shocked by the number of $50000 luxury cars that have cheaper feeling interiors than this car (the latest BMW 3-Series for example).
2010 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Awesome materials, great fit and finish, no squeaks, rattles or creaks, and it just feels incredibly well put together.
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
it looks good and feels good to touch.
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Best in class, and in the case of the GTI, better than much more expensive vehicles. Stitching, steering wheel, metal accents on vents, I could go on...
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Everything fits, small gapping, solid feeling car. Nothing falling off or breaking easily.
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
seemed well made/good materials and craftsmanship
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
As often said, interior more Audi-esque than Mazda-like. Rock-solid construction, interior materials exceptional, all controls are illuminated, extensive warranty consistent w/ that.
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
The dash top/door panels, and the leather/vinyl are first rate. The hard (cheap) plastic is regulated to the lower sections of the interior where it can hide. The doors shut very easily, with a solid thunk. All controls have a solid click.
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
great!!
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The only car in its price category to have an Audi-equivalent interior. Soft-touch materials, all controls (dash, wheel, doors) illuminated, no rattles/squeaks, excellent seats, all seams regular and tight.
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
The interior of every VW is leagues above its segment rivals, and the Golf/Rabbit is no exception. The materials are top-notch, the fit and finish is excellent, and the design is aesthetically pleasing.
2008 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Easy access to spark plugs for replacement, cast iron engine for longevity, timing chains are a tossup - they should last a long time, but when they go, they will be too expensive to replace. Doors are over-engineered and strong - you can swing from them.
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
The interior is very well done. The attention to detail is very high. The exterior design is very functional and understated.
2008 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This is one of the main things that turned us off from the Fit. The interior on the Rabbit just seems more solid, of a higher quality, and a lot quieter ride. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and adjustable.
2008 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
The interior is very nicely put together. It feels like a much more expensive car than it actually is.
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
The quality of the car feels "solid", not cheap and plastic.
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
seems to be a solidly built car
2008 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
very solid feel, not flashy
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
German engineering babe! Of course they can improve but hey for a 25k car is not bad.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Great interior material quality and assembly.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Solid German engineering. I have the Fahrenheit edition, so they threw in everything you could possibly get, and topped it with a Lamborghini Orange paint job.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Dashboard materials and soft plastics, and seat fabrics easily blow away any other competitors. Everything else--Imprezas to Evolutions to Cobalt SS--all looks like a plastic rental car compared to the GTI.
2007 4dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Interior quality is top notch
2004 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
The interior has the quality of a car costing twice as much. Fit and finish is top notch.
2003 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
Good quality. No stupid plastic pieces breaking under normal use, interrior stays together, no sqeaks, the odd rattle when on a really rough road.
Materials and Workmanship of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For the MK VI which is focusing on better interior acoustics, I am very disappointed to have the wind noise problem on my doors.
2007 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
design issues with air cleaner location make it very difficult to change (hidden on bottom of engine cover). Oil filter has gone back 10 years from my other vw. requires special tools for simple maintenance. High cost of bringing it in.

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