2009 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 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 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
