1996 Honda S-MX vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 11 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo V50 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 158 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.
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 V50 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | S-MX | V50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
