1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1983 Volvo 740
To start off, 1983 Volvo 740 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 740 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 740 weights approximately 460 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 1983 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 1983 Volvo 740. 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, 1983 Volvo 740 (260 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1983 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Prelude | 740 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
