2006 Nissan Maxima vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 Nissan Maxima 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Maxima (265 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 265 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.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Maxima | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Maxima | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2660 mm |
