1981 Honda Accord vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,442 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 535 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
