Sweden vs Sweden — 1956 vs 1944
| Amazon 122S | PV444 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 100 hp | 51 hp |
| Torque | 111 lb-ft | 70 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,780 cc | 1,414 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.5 sec | 22.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 103 mph | 81 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 23.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,293 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Length | 4,460 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 667,323 | 196,004 |
| Original MSRP | — | $1,800 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1956 Volvo Amazon 122S brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Volvo has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1956 Volvo Amazon 122S with the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1956 Volvo Amazon 122S holds a clear advantage in raw power with 100 hp compared to 51 hp, a 49-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 PV444 relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,414 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Volvo Amazon 122S edges ahead at 12.5 seconds versus 22.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 196,004 units built, the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport is considerably scarcer than the Volvo Amazon's 667,323 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.