2009 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 28 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 97 kg more than 2009 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, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Honda Civic | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Honda | Volvo |
Model | Civic | 240 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 106 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |