1981 Honda Accord vs. 1971 Volvo 145
To start off, 1981 Honda Accord is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volvo 145 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 145 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Volvo 145 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 1971 Volvo 145. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 1971 Volvo 145 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 1971 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | 145 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2620 mm |
