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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 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 | 2996 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
