1986 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 264 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 1978 Volvo 264. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 264 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2650 mm |
