2005 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 24 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, 2005 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 110 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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, 2005 Honda Civic (192 Nm @ 5900 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 240 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
