1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Volvo C30
To start off, 2009 Volvo C30 is newer by 31 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 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo C30 weights approximately 668 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.
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, 2009 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | C30 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 60 L |
