1986 BMW 316 vs. 1980 Volvo 240
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 240 (152 HP) has 66 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 240 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1986 BMW 316. 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, 1980 Volvo 240 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1980 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 152 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
