1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1980 Volvo 240
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 240 (152 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 240 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3. 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, 1980 Volvo 240 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1980 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | Z3 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
