2003 Honda Z vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Z would be higher. At 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2003 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 665 kg more than 2003 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Z. 2006 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Z has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Z | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Z | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 654 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 58 L |
