850 vs 240: if you could only keep one, which would it be?

SUNRG · Post by **SUNRG** » 09 Jan 2015, 19:39

I may need to sell one of my beloved wagons. Each has its virtues and vices. Both are presently in great condition. Please comment with your vote & thoughts. Thank you!

1. 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon

2. 1993 Volvo 240 Wagon

Post by **tryingbe** » 09 Jan 2015, 19:52

I kept my 850 wagon and sold the 240 wagon.

SUNRG · Post by **SUNRG** » 09 Jan 2015, 22:21

tryingbe wrote:I kept my 850 wagon and sold the 240 wagon.

What were the factors in that choice tryingbe? Any regrets?

Post by **tryingbe** » 10 Jan 2015, 06:30

850 > 240

Power, mpg, more comfortable seats/driving, sunroof, easier to find parts for at junkyard, remote door locks, tinted windows, better door handles, locking gas cover, etc.

240 > 850
Timing belt and waterpump is less expensive, front suspension parts last longer, 4 cylinders means less plugs/wires to buy, less oil needed during oil change, no engine cooler hoses/trans cooler hoses to change, maintenance parts are usually cheaper.

No, zero regret.

850 is more comfortable and 240 is cheaper to maintain.

Post by **E Showell** » 10 Jan 2015, 11:46

Having owned both as well, I'd keep the 850 due to seat comfort alone. Better handling and a nicer ride don't hurt either. Used parts availability for the 850 is likely better as well.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 10 Jan 2015, 13:24

Does one have significantly less miles on the OD?

Very hard call, but if you know the history of the 850 I would keep the it.

For maintenance, I would argue the 850 is about the same as a 240. Some jobs are a lot easier on the 850, like taking a door panel off, changing a heater fan, or heater core (heater fan on a 240 can be a weekend project). Though the PCV job on a 240 is an hour job, and as someone said the timing belt is very simple ( and if you mess up , its not an interference engine) . Less parts are obsoleted by Volvo on the 850 today compared to the 240. Also from my experience so far, 850s tend not to rust.

I've had two 240s, would still be driving the last one if someone hadn't gone through a stop sign in front of me. My 850 is a lot more fun to drive.

Post by **jimmy57** » 10 Jan 2015, 14:11

850 is safer. Do you want to live?

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 11 Jan 2015, 10:25

I had an 8550 vs 740 decision to make, went with the 850 due to comfort and speed both turbos but the 850 won that hands down

Post by **rspi** » 11 Jan 2015, 13:26

I like to drive so the FUN FACTOR would win for me. 855...

Post by **cn90** » 11 Jan 2015, 13:32

I used to have a 1991 240 with 5sp MT, it was a fun car to drive b/c it is RWD.
Highway drive is very comfortable, but the engine is a bit noisier than the 850, S/V70 series.

I like RWD better, but not in the winter.