1976 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chevrolet Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 830 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volvo 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1976 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chevrolet Suburban | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Suburban | 240 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2660 mm |
