Who would have asked a silly question like that in the 1960s or ’70s? But that was then, this is now.
On my trip this morning to the local Sainsbury’s I spotted the square-jawed ’90s Volvo first but then, with some amusement, noted it was stood alongside the current Mini Clubman.
So, which is bigger?
Dimensions Length Width Height Luggage capacity
Volvo 440 4312mm – 169.8″ 1686mm – 66.4″ 1390mm – 54.7″ 379lit. – 13.4ft3
Mini Clubman 4253mm – 167.4″ 1800mm – 70.9″ 1390mm – 54.7″ 360lit. – 12.7ft3
The Mini is wider by quite a margin, but the Volvo a tad longer and has more luggage space. Shall we call it a draw?
The Volvo is considerably more spacious inside, and a lot airier with those big windows. The MINI is, well mini in comparison so I suppose the name is still somewhat appropriate. I’ve driven both, the not-so MINI is obviously the better drive but the Volvo handles quite a bit better than its homely looks might suggest, for its day of course.
Coincidentally the factory that built the Volvo now produces MINIs.
Might be time for a name change. Mini just doesn’t fit anymore.
Of course other smaller cars have grown too — Honda Civics were once tiny, but now they’re effectively mid-size (probably similar or bigger than this Volvo & Mini pair). But the Civic isn’t called a “mini,” so that’s not quite so amusing… and besides, Honda added the Fit to help fill the void left by formerly-small Civic.
I’ve been trying for the last year to decide what car to get that’s under 168″ in overall length. I want to park my car in the garage and use the workbench, you see.
Hey Paul, is a well-loved first-gen Scion xB with 150k+ miles better than a new Kia Soul?
These are just about the two options I’ve left myself with.
Let’s see, old car heading toward the scrap yard in a few years and with a future of various repairs, or new car with 100% of its life left and a warranty and up to modern crash standards and with various electronic aids?
The Old VOLVO is probably more reliable than the New mini.
Based on?
That depends; long term tests of the 440 and its sporty sibling, the 480 ES, reported numerous build quality and reliability issues with those cars. It’s nice to see one still up and running and in good shape.
I was impressed with its condition too given it is at least 27 years old (J reg makes it 1991-2).
Great catch and comparison – compelling food (snack) for thought.
I can’t be the only person who sees more than a little B3 / B4 Volkswagen Passat in that Volvo 440 – especially in profile.
Yes, I thought so too. The front end looks very B4 Passat-ish to me, and even the wheel covers look like VW offerings.
I’m surprising myself here, but that Volvo (at least as shown here in white with black window surrounds and bump strips) looks pretty neat and is ageing well. I’m not sure the 460 saloon version would be doing so well though.
Tempting against the Mini – well, now you suggest it…
Nice first post Bernard – looking forward to more!
Thanks Roger. I’m going to try to take my camera out more often; there’s certainly some interesting stuff around (like that orange Kitten I first saw in 2017 and a couple of weeks back).
Every 460 imported to my country is in a scrapyard somewhere!
Totally resembles the Passat. I like it. Wish they sold it in the US. Seems like it would be in the same category as the Acura Integra or Infiniti G20 of the time.
That Volvo looks like someone tried to describe a 1985 Dodge Lancer by Morse code.
LOL – this is the best description. Or, an MS-DOS version of the Lancer.
Hmm. I’m not so keen on the Volvo 440…they just never seemed like “proper” volvos, like the 240/740/940. You sure don’t see them around still working with 400k on the clock.
I don’t suppose it was a ‘proper’ Volvo really, it originated from the 343 series which itself originated from the Daf when Volvo took them over. I believe they were built in the Netherlands too. Quite different to the 240/760 line.
Citroën front end, VW rear end, Saab 9000 silouette.