2002 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 21 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Accord (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Accord weights approximately 12 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, 2002 Honda Accord, 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, 2002 Honda Accord (219 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Accord | 240 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
