1992 BMW 545 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1992 BMW 545 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 545 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1981 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 545 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 545 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 545 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
