1980 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Volvo 242 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 1986 Volvo 242. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Civic, 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 242 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2660 mm |
