2004 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S40 weights approximately 499 kg more than 2004 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, 1998 Volvo S40 (299 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (149 Nm). This means 1998 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1998 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1998 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1998 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1154 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
