1991 Honda NSX vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Honda NSX (281 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (216 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1991 Honda NSX.
Because 1991 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 1991 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Honda NSX. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1991 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1991 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Honda NSX | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | NSX | S40 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
