2006 Honda Element vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 Volvo V40. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo V40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 377 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo V40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Element | V40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
