1996 Plymouth Voyager vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 Plymouth Voyager 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Plymouth Voyager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Plymouth Voyager (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Voyager should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Plymouth Voyager weights approximately 405 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.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Voyager, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Plymouth Voyager (262 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Plymouth Voyager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Plymouth Voyager | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volvo |
| Model | Voyager | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2660 mm |
