1981 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Volvo 240 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 240 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
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 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1988 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
