1990 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 265 weights approximately 378 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic.
Because 1978 Volvo 265 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 265. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 265 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 265 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
