1984 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (120 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Honda Civic weights approximately 93 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480.
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, 1988 Volvo 480 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 480 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
