1981 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 is newer by 31 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 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo S80 (114 HP) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S80 weights approximately 719 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, 2012 Volvo S80 (270 Nm) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm). This means 2012 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 2012 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2012 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1609 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 67 L |
