1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 15 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 550 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Buick | Volvo |
Model | Roadmaster | 240 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2314 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 111 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 447 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |