Sweden vs Sweden — 1986 vs 1982
| 480 Turbo | 480 Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 129 lb-ft | 129 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,721 cc | 1,721 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.5 sec | 8.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.4 sec | 16.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,403 lbs | 2,414 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Length | 4,258 mm | 4,240 mm |
| Units Produced | 76,375 | 76,375 |
| Original MSRP | — | $16,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $15,000 | $22,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1986 Volvo 480 Turbo brings quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Volvo 480. The 1986 and 1982 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1986 Volvo 480 Turbo producing 120 hp and the 1982 Volvo 480 Turbo delivering 120 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo 480 uses a Inline-4 SOHC displacing 1,721 cc, while the Volvo 480 relies on a Inline-4 SOHC Turbo with 1,721 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Volvo 480 Turbo edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 8.9 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.