2009 BMW 135 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 30 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 135 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 135 | 240 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 302 HP | 106 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |