1988 Volvo 480 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 308 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volvo 480 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volvo 480 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 480 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 60 L |
