1983 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1983 BMW 316.
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, both vehicles can yield 140 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1983 BMW 316 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. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
