1994 BMW 518 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1994 BMW 518 is newer by 13 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 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1994 BMW 518.
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, 1981 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 518 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
