1963 Honda S500 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 613 kg more than 1963 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Honda S500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1963 Honda S500 has manual transmission. 1963 Honda S500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | S500 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
