1988 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 5 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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (122 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 240 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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 M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
