2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 425 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. 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, 2008 Fiat 500, 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
