1992 BMW 540 vs. 1976 Volvo 240
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 381 kg more than 1976 Volvo 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1976 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
