1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Ford | Volvo |
Model | Thunderbird | 240 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2127 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 96 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 291 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2660 mm |