1996 Honda Legend vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 Honda Legend is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Legend (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Legend weights approximately 380 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 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 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Legend, 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, 1996 Honda Legend (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1996 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Legend | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Legend | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2660 mm |
