1952 Porsche 356 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Volvo 240 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
1952 Porsche 356 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Porsche | Volvo |
Model | 356 | 240 |
Year Released | 1952 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 1131 cc | 2383 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 106 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |