1983 Volvo 240 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1983 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, 2010 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (139 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volvo 240 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | 240 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 51 L |
