1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1972 Volvo 164
To start off, 1978 Honda Prelude is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 164 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 164 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volvo 164 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 1972 Volvo 164. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Prelude, 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, 1972 Volvo 164 (241 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 1972 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Prelude | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
