1987 BMW 324 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 6 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 324 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1987 BMW 324.
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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
1987 BMW 324 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 324 | 240 |
Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2314 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 111 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 214 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |