2005 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic.
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, 2003 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (192 Nm @ 5900 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2005 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2005 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
