1996 Honda NSX vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (178 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 214 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
Because 1996 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 1996 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80, 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, 1996 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | NSX | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
