2004 BMW 730 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2004 BMW 730 is newer by 23 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 730 (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 730 weights approximately 420 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, 2004 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2004 BMW 730 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. 2004 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 730 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 730 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
