1996 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. 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 (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
