1978 Honda Accord vs. 1980 Volvo 245
To start off, 1980 Volvo 245 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 245 (81 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 245 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Volvo 245 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Volvo 245. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Volvo 245 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1980 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | 245 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2660 mm |
