1990 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 9 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, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 316 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1370 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
