1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1972 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 1979 Honda Prelude is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo P 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo P 1800 (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo P 1800 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo P 1800 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volvo P 1800 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 P 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 P 1800 (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo P 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1972 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Prelude | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2460 mm |
