940 vs. 740

fieldmouse · Post by **fieldmouse** » 28 Sep 2005, 11:04

A month or so ago I posted requesting info about buying my teen son a used volvo. 1st, thanks for the responses. I've been looking high and low and haven't found the "right" one yet. We've moved from a 4 dr. to a wagon as acceptable if he can "paint flames on it." He's a drummer in the school band and needs space to carry his tools. My question is this: is there a major difference between the 740 and the 940? I'm trying to stay away from a 6 cyl. as advised. It would appear that the 4 cyl. seems to run right through several body styles. I've got a couple of months, yet, so there's no screaming hurry, but the more I look the better I feel about bricks in general. TIA

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 29 Sep 2005, 04:54

It's no big diffrence between the 740 and the 940. They began to produce the 740 style already in 1983 ( in the beginning as an 6 cylinder version 760). After producing this car for 8 years, Volvo had to do something about the design, so they changed the interior and exterior and named it 940, it was "softer" in the design. In technical point of view, it is almost the same construction, still simple and reliable. Volvo introduced the 940 in 1991. Also the already high safety was improved with side collision protection SIPS. In 1995 a low pressaure turbo was introduced. That engine is really something to look for, very reliable and the old fashion motor became suddenly very nice. The 940 was produced until 1997 or 1998 and I would say that it is the last car that an ordinary person can repair without expencive equipment.

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 03 Oct 2005, 04:27

My two cents on the engines:

The "6-cyl" engines to avoid are those V6s from pre-1988/89, offered on the 760 GLE's.

A 760 TURBO may have either the B28 or B230FT (federal turbo, meaning catalyzer installed and turbo).

Volvo introduced a "new" inline-6 B6304 engine with the 960 GLE series, and these are great DOHC, electronic injection engines. These engines have been used since the 960 series all the way up to some early model S80s. For a car of such weight, in your country where taxation by displacement is not an issue, I'd highly recommend getting the maximum horsepower possible.