2001 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 20 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 100 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
2001 BMW 318 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 318 | 240 |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2383 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 23.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |