1991 Honda Prelude 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 Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,523 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (216 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1991 Honda Prelude. (110 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1991 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1991 Honda Prelude. 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Honda Prelude. (159 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Honda Prelude. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1991 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1991 Honda Prelude 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 Prelude | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Prelude | S40 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
