2009 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 235 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 320 (191 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
