2004 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 1,719 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 154 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Honda Civic (223 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 480 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
