1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (125 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | S-MX | 850 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
