2005 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 24 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 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, 2005 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
