1996 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V50. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 488 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
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 V50 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | V50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1698 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
