1988 Honda NSX vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S40. (169 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 123 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX.
Because 1988 Honda NSX 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 1988 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S40. 2008 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1988 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | NSX | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
