2000 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2000 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 19 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Buick LaCrosse (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 184 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, 2000 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2000 Buick LaCrosse (392 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2000 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2000 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2000 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Buick LaCrosse | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | LaCrosse | 240 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4200 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2660 mm |
