2009 BMW 125 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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 125 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 125 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
