2003 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 22 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
