2006 Chrysler 300 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 Chrysler 300 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler 300 (336 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 583 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, 2006 Chrysler 300 (525 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2006 Chrysler 300 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. 2006 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chrysler 300 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 336 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1873 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2660 mm |
