1981 Volvo 240 vs. 1988 Volvo 740
To start off, 1988 Volvo 740 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 740 weights approximately 40 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, 1988 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 240 | 1988 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 240 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2780 mm |
