2009 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 530 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 530 | 240 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2992 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 | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 480 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |