1998 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic 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 33 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (105 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 299 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic. 2004 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
