1974 Honda Life vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Life | S40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
