2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 510 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. 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, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Panda | 240 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 60 L |
