1999 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 18 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 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | GMC | Volvo |
| Model | Safari | 240 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2660 mm |
