The 2008 Volvo V50 occupies a price range between that of economical five-door small hatchback models and wagon versions of smaller sport sedans such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series.
The more affordable Audi A3 is a closer rival to the V50 and includes a more fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
However, the A3 isn’t as roomy inside; it doesn’t have many of the safety features that are optional in the V50.
Another possibility is the Subaru Impreza; in its base 2.5i form, it’s a much more affordable alternative, with standard all-wheel drive and performance from its horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that’s similar to that from the base five in the Volvo.
But the so-called Impreza Wagon is no longer a wagon—it’s a shorter five-door hatchback.
The 9-3 SportCombi, from Sweden’s other car brand, Saab, is perhaps the V50’s most direct rival, but the 9-3 SportCombi also has a cramped backseat while not offering the ride refinement and poise of the V50.
All-wheel drive isn’t available on the SportCombi either.
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 2008 Volvo V50Browse Used Listings |  2009 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2008 Subaru ImprezaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||
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The 2008 Volvo V50 has the efficiency and compactness of a small car with the available safety features and poise of a larger sport wagon. |
The 2009 Audi A3 is more than a spruced-up VW hatchback, thanks to the fabulous interior, S-tronic transmission, and V-6 bark. |
The comfortable 2008 Subaru Impreza has broader appeal than the former model, without losing its personality—and it’s the only small sedan model in its price range with standard all-wheel drive. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $26,815 | $26,920 | $16,995 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas I5 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4-Cyl |
| EPA Class | ||
| Small Station Wagon | Small Station Wgn | Sub-Compact |
| Style Name | ||
| 4-Door Wagon 2.4L FWD | 4-Door HB MT 2.0T FrontTrak | 4-Door Manual i |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| 5 Door Wagon | 4 Door HB | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||
| Automatic, | Manual w/OD | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2008 Volvo V50 vs. 2009 Audi A3 | 2008 Volvo V50 vs. 2008 Subaru Impreza | |
