1996 Honda S-MX 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 S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volvo V50. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 2003 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | S-MX | V50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
