1980 Opel Commodore vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Commodore (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Commodore weights approximately 12 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.
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 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Commodore | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Commodore | 240 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1312 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2660 mm |
