1998 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Accord weights approximately 26 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40.
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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| 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 | 134 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
