1981 Volvo 240 vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 29 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2010 BMW 125.
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, 2010 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 240 | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 240 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 53 L |
