1981 Volvo 240 vs. 2011 Ford F-250
To start off, 2011 Ford F-250 is newer by 30 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford F-250 (385 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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, 2011 Ford F-250 (548 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2011 Ford F-250 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. 2011 Ford F-250 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 240 | 2011 Ford F-250 | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | 240 | F-250 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 548 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 6269 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1966 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3967 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 132 L |
