Volvo 240 1981–1993 car dimensions: 4790 mm long, 1710 mm wide and 1430 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,320 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin has highly adjustable seats with lumbar support that stay comfortable on long drives. Heating and ventilation use multiple vents for even air flow, with air conditioning standard on many models or available as an option. Cruise control is available as an accessory or on higher trims. Power windows, central locking and a heated driver's seat appear on GL and above. No electronic driver aids beyond basic ABS on later higher trims.
The sedan trunk is deep with a flat floor and courtesy light. Capacity is listed around 395 litres in later specs or up to 615 litres in earlier ones. A pass-through in the rear seat back lets you carry longer items.
Braked towing capacity is 1500 kg across the range. An automatic transmission oil cooler is recommended or required above certain trailer weights. Unbraked figures sit around 750 kg. Payload is roughly 430 kg on sedans. GLT models add stiffer springs and dampers. Load-levelling and heavy-duty options support work use.
The cabin features orthopedically designed seats with reclining backrests, height adjustment and adjustable lumbar support that keep occupants comfortable and free from fatigue on long drives. Heated front seats are available, doors open wide for easy access, and the interior includes clear gauges with logical controls plus options for air conditioning, power windows and a sliding sunroof on higher grades.
Unleaded fuel required with catalytic converter
Service intervals at 10,000 miles or 16,000 km
NHTSA safety research benchmark in 1976 and 1991
Standard three-point belts at outboard seats plus head restraints
Four-wheel disc brakes with dual-circuit system
Driver airbag and ABS available on later models and higher grades
The car runs on unleaded gasoline only due to its three-way catalytic converter. Fuel tank capacity is listed at approximately 60 liters or 15.8 US gallons.
Volvo specifies maintenance inspections every 10,000 miles or 16,000 km. Oil and filter changes follow the schedule in the owner's manual, with additional checks for belts, fluids and filters at set intervals. Factory service manuals cover all systems in detail for DIY or dealer work.
Safety design centers on a rigid steel cage with energy-absorbing crumple zones front and rear, reinforced door beams and a protected fuel tank. Three-point inertia-reel belts are standard for outboard positions along with padded head restraints. Later years added a driver's airbag and ABS brakes as options or on select grades. The model served as the NHTSA benchmark for crash protection research.
The 240 is known for long-term durability when serviced regularly. Parts remain widely available and the simple mechanical layout makes ownership straightforward for keeping the car on the road.
Length 4790 mm, Width 1710 mm, Height 1430 mm, Wheelbase 2640 mm (240 1981–1993)
Sources: manufacturer data, ultimatespecs.com, Wikipedia Volvo 200 Series, Volvo 1985 US brochure.