2009 BMW 120 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 28 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 120 | 240 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2127 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 96 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |