1992 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 11 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 (164 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1992 Alfa Romeo 155.
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, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155, 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, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 155 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
