1948 Allard J1 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,915 cc (8 cylinders), 1948 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Allard J1 (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1948 Allard J1.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1948 Allard J1 (305 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1948 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Allard J1 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Allard | Volvo |
| Model | J1 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3915 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 60 L |
