1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volvo C30
To start off, 2008 Volvo C30 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo C30 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo C30 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. 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, 2008 Volvo C30 (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | C30 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1327 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
