1981 Volvo 240 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Blazer
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Blazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer (158 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Blazer weights approximately 160 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 1988 Chevrolet Blazer 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, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer 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, 1988 Chevrolet Blazer (312 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Blazer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1988 Chevrolet Blazer 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. 1988 Chevrolet Blazer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 240 | 1988 Chevrolet Blazer | |
| Make | Volvo | Chevrolet |
| Model | 240 | Blazer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
