France vs Sweden — 1963 vs 1971
| 24CT | 1800 ES Sport Wagon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 60 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 63 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1,986 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.0 sec | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 117 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.5 sec |
| Weight | 1,720 lbs | 2,745 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,450 mm |
| Length | 4,290 mm | 4,450 mm |
| Units Produced | 28,651 | 8,077 |
| Original MSRP | $3,800 | $5,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $50,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
The 1971 Volvo 1800 ES Sport Wagon emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1963 Panhard 24CT counters with lighter weight, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1963 Panhard 24CT against the 1971 Volvo 1800 ES Sport Wagon is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — France versus Sweden. The 1971 Volvo 1800 ES Sport Wagon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 130 hp compared to 60 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Panhard 24CT uses a Flat-twin OHV Panhard displacing 848 cc, while the Volvo 1800 relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,986 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Volvo 1800 ES Sport Wagon edges ahead at 10.0 seconds versus 17.0 seconds. The Panhard 24CT carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1025 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 8,077 units built, the 1971 Volvo 1800 ES Sport Wagon is considerably scarcer than the Panhard 24CT's 28,651 examples.