2006 BMW 118 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 BMW 118 is newer by 25 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 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 118 (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 118 weights approximately 510 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 118 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 118 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
