2008 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volvo 740

To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 740 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1988 Volvo 740 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 1988 Volvo 740. 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, 1988 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1988 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Honda Civic 1988 Volvo 740
Make Honda Volvo
Model Civic 740
Year Released 2008 1988
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1799 cc 1985 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 140 HP 156 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 239 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 2500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1180 kg 1330 kg
Vehicle Length 4450 mm 4790 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2660 mm 2780 mm