1996 Honda Prelude vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1996 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Prelude | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
