1997 Honda Life vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,524 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 609 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Life | S40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2800 mm |
