1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 238 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 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
