Top Volvo 240 in History

Volvo cars are known for their safety, which isn’t surprising, as the automaker helped revolutionize safety standards when it invented the three-point seat belt. With that said, many can attest that safety isn’t the only thing Volvo cars have going for them.

Take the Volvo 200 series (or 240/260 series), one of the most popular and impressive series in the history of the industry. From 1974 to 1993, the 200 series had a cult following, producing nearly three million coupes, sedans, wagons, and special editions in 19 years.

More than the aforementioned safety, the 200 series models were reliable, powerful, and economical, making them a practical choice for drivers. With 19 years of production, it begs the question: What are the top Volvo 240s in history?

Volvo 240 Turbo

It’s hard to discuss any Volvo cars without mentioning their innovative safety features. The same thing rings true for the Volvo 240, as it became the standard car for safety developments by authorities in the USA thanks to its rigorous safety requirements.

It performed remarkably on the streets. This is, in large part, thanks to Volvo introducing the first 6-cylinder diesel engine in a passenger car back in 1978. A few years later, Volvo developed turbocharged versions of the 4-cylinder engine found in the 240 Turbo, further boosting its performance.

Car owners today still rave about their 240 Turbo, mentioning how reliable and drivable it is even after thousands of miles under its belt.

• Engine Specs: 2.1-liter inline-4, turbocharged
• Weight: 2842 lbs
• Power: 153 HP
• Torque: 177 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds

Volvo 242 GT

The Volvo 242 GT is often overlooked compared to the other entries in the 200 series. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason for its lack of popularity. It could be due to the shorter manufacturing years, as the 242 GT was only available globally from 1978 to 1979, with an extended run in 1980 for North America.

Regardless, the 242 GT offered adequate power. Its initial engine was a 2.1-liter inline-four, managing 123 horsepower. It got a respectable upgrade with the new 2.3-liter engine that produced 140 hp, helping the model develop hype on the market.

242 GTs bound for the United States were aesthetically different from those headed to Canada, as the latter had red and black tape stripes. Inside, GTs had a black corduroy interior with a vertical red stripe across the seats.

• Engine Specs: 2.3-liter inline-4, naturally aspirated
• Weight: 2910 lbs
• Power: 138 HP
• Torque: 140 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 11.3 seconds

Volvo 244

In 1982, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) deemed the Volvo 244 the safest car assessed. In fact, the 244 became the standard for future safety work by the NHTSA in the USA.

Back then, the model offered far better protection for the driver and the passengers compared to other vehicles of the same size. The car’s safety properties and driving characteristics became its calling card, attracting attention worldwide.

Besides the safety features, the 244 is also quite reliable, even compared to modern-day standards. It’s not uncommon to see it on the road even after decades since the last manufactured model. Some 240s even managed to make it past 300,000 miles, a testament to durability.

Lastly, the Volvo 244 is comfortable thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and overall good ride quality.

• Engine Specs: 2.1-liter inline-4, naturally aspirated
• Weight: 2778 lbs
• Power: 105 HP
• Torque: 125 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 13.0 seconds

Volvo 245

The Volvo 245 took the mantle from its predecessor as the standard for safety on the road, thanks to Volvo developing the model with rigorous safety requirements. It also became the standard when it came to performance, as its turbocharged version became one of the world’s fastest cars at the time.

Even today, the 245 is considered a reliable vehicle. Some owners have stated how the model starts and drives smoothly. The car is also cheap to maintain, as parts are abundant and reasonably priced. Of course, you’ll need to have some DIY knowledge to avoid any costly repairs, as taking your old Volvo 245 to an auto shop can be quite expensive.

Overall, you can expect reliability, safety, and performance if you’re driving a Volvo 245 Turbo.

• Engine Specs: 2.1-liter inline-4, turbocharged
• Weight: 2961 lbs
• Power: 153 HP
• Torque: 177 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds