2001 Citroen C5 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen C5 (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C5 weights approximately 258 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, 2001 Citroen C5, 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, 2001 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2001 Citroen C5 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. 2001 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C5 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | C5 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
