Sweden vs Sweden — 1977 vs 1981
| 262C Bertone Coupe | 240 DL Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 114 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 136 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,664 cc | 2,316 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 sec | 11.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 109 mph | 109 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 18.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,240 lbs | 2,910 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,790 mm |
| Units Produced | 6,622 | 2,862,053 |
| Original MSRP | $17,750 | $14,895 |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 2/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1977 Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe brings more power, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value. 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 1977 Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe with the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1977 Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 140 hp compared to 114 hp, a 26-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo 262C uses a V6 OHV displacing 2,664 cc, while the Volvo 240 relies on a Inline-4 OHC with 2,316 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan edges ahead at 11.5 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. The Volvo 240 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 330 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 6,622 units built, the 1977 Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Volvo 240's 2,862,053 examples. On the collector market, the 1977 Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1977 Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.