Sweden vs Sweden — 1981 vs 2014
| 242 Turbo Group A Homologation | V60 Polestar | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 350 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,127 cc | 2,953 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.9 sec | 4.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.7 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,932 lbs | 3,891 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,776 mm |
| Length | 4,790 mm | 4,628 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 1,500 |
| Original MSRP | $16,495 | $60,395 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1981 Volvo 242 Turbo Group A Homologation brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 2014 Volvo V60 Polestar answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. 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 1981 Volvo 242 Turbo Group A Homologation with the 2014 Volvo V60 Polestar highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2014 Volvo V60 Polestar holds a clear advantage in raw power with 350 hp compared to 155 hp, a 195-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo 242 Turbo uses a Inline-4 Turbo SOHC displacing 2,127 cc, while the Volvo V60 relies on a Inline-6 DOHC 24V Turbocharged with 2,953 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2014 Volvo V60 Polestar edges ahead at 4.8 seconds versus 8.9 seconds. The Volvo 242 Turbo carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 959 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.