1984 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Volkswagen Passat | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | 240 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
