1999 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1999 Honda Civic is newer by 18 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 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Civic (167 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1999 Honda Civic.
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, 1999 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Civic. (166 Nm @ 6300 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Civic | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 240 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
