1988 BMW 524 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 7 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 524 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 524 | 240 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2127 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 96 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |