2007 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 26 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 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, 2007 BMW M3 (366 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
2007 BMW M3 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | M3 | 240 |
Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2127 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 96 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2660 mm |