2008 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 18 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
Because 1974 Volvo 244 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 1974 Volvo 244. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244. 1974 Volvo 244 has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 244 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 244 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
