2008 BMW 335 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2008 BMW 335 is newer by 27 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 335 (282 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 335 weights approximately 350 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, 2008 BMW 335 (580 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2008 BMW 335 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. 2008 BMW 335 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 335 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 335 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
