2006 BMW 550 vs. 1980 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 240. (152 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1980 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 240. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1980 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 550 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
