Volvo Amazon

vs

Volvo 240

Sweden vs Sweden — 1956 vs 1981

Volvo Amazon (1956)
Volvo 240 (1981)
Specifications
Amazon 122S240 Turbo Wagon
Horsepower100 hp155 hp
Torque111 lb-ft
Engine Size1,780 cc2,316 cc
0-60 mph12.5 sec
Top Speed103 mph
¼ Mile18.5 sec
Wheelbase2,590 mm2,640 mm
Length4,460 mm4,790 mm
Units Produced667,323
Value (Excellent)$35,000$22,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity4/1010/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1981 Volvo 240 Turbo Wagon with more power, better value. The 1956 Volvo Amazon 122S offers its unique character, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Volvo has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1956 Volvo Amazon 122S with the 1981 Volvo 240 Turbo Wagon highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1981 Volvo 240 Turbo Wagon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 155 hp compared to 100 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo Amazon uses a Inline-4 OHV 8V displacing 1,780 cc, while the Volvo 240 relies on a Inline-4 with 2,316 cc. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.