2009 Honda Civic vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 221 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Volvo 260 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 1976 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1976 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1976 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Civic | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2664 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
