Sweden vs Sweden — 1944 vs 1981
| PV444 Sport | 240 DL Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 51 hp | 114 hp |
| Torque | 70 lb-ft | 136 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,414 cc | 2,316 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 22.0 sec | 11.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 109 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.0 sec | 18.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,293 lbs | 2,910 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,790 mm |
| Units Produced | 196,004 | 2,862,053 |
| Original MSRP | $1,800 | $14,895 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 2/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan 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 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport with the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan holds a clear advantage in raw power with 114 hp compared to 51 hp, a 63-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo PV444 uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,414 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 22.0 seconds. The Volvo PV444 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 617 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 196,004 units built, the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport is considerably scarcer than the Volvo 240's 2,862,053 examples. On the collector market, the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport commands a significant premium over the 1981 Volvo 240 DL Sedan, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1944 Volvo PV444 Sport rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.