1981 Volvo 240 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 25 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 312 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour. 2006 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Volvo 240 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
Make | Volvo | Smart |
Model | 240 | ForFour |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1499 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 106 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 75.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 978 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2510 mm |