1997 Honda NSX vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1999 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1999 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 8 kg more than 1999 Volvo S80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volvo S80. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | NSX | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
