1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 1984 Volvo 740 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volvo 740 (197 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 740 weights approximately 550 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 1984 Volvo 740 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 1984 Volvo 740. 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, 1984 Volvo 740 (296 Nm @ 2950 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Prelude | 740 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2780 mm |
