Volvo Amazon

vs

Volvo 480

Sweden vs Sweden — 1967 vs 1982

Volvo Amazon (1967)
Volvo 480 (1982)
Specifications
Amazon 123GT480 Turbo
Horsepower115 hp120 hp
Torque115 lb-ft129 lb-ft
Engine Size1,780 cc1,721 cc
0-60 mph11.0 sec8.9 sec
Top Speed109 mph124 mph
¼ Mile17.8 sec16.8 sec
Weight2,381 lbs2,414 lbs
Wheelbase2,590 mm2,520 mm
Length4,450 mm4,240 mm
Units Produced1,52876,375
Original MSRP$3,300$16,500
Value (Excellent)$65,000$22,000
Collectibility8/106/10
Rarity8/107/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT brings greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Volvo has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT with the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT producing 115 hp and the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo delivering 120 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo Amazon uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,780 cc, while the Volvo 480 relies on a Inline-4 SOHC Turbo with 1,721 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo edges ahead at 8.9 seconds versus 11.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,528 units built, the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT is considerably scarcer than the Volvo 480's 76,375 examples. On the collector market, the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT commands a significant premium over the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.