1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 546 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Abarth 1600. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 1600 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2660 mm |
