1977 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1977 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, 1988 Volvo 480 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 480 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 58 L |
