Volvo 400 series (1986 - 1996) - Overview
VOLVO 400-series (1986-1996)
480 ES (1986- 1995)
The Volvo 480ES was launched in 1986 and played an important role as being the first series-produced front-wheel-drive Volvo car. It was equipped with a transverse installed 4-cylinder engine.
The 480ES (which was also marketed under the designations 480S and 480 Turbo) was a closed sports car with four seats, having a rear design which was influenced by the classic 1800ES of the early 1970s.
The frontal appearance was unique with pop-up headlights, and resembled no previous Volvo car.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 480
Variants: 480 Turbo, 480 S
Produced: 76,375
Body: 2-door 4-seater sporting hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line, 1,721 cc SOHC with or without turbo or 1,998 cc SOHC.
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes front and drums rear or discs all round
Dimensions: Wheelbase 250 cm
VOLVO 440 & 460 (1988-1996)
The Volvo 440 was launched in 1988 and was manufactured side by side with the Volvo 340 for a couple of years, after which the 440 and its later sibling, the 460, took over the compact car role in the Volvo range.
The Volvo 440 had the same basic technical structure and layout as the 480 sports coupé. This means it shared the sports model's transverse engine and front wheel drive, and of course it reaped the benefits of the 480's excellent handling and road holding.
The Volvo 460 was launched in 1989 as the notchback version.
During its model life, the 440/460 was available with a number of different engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres.
All were 4-cylinder units with a single overhead camshaft, and all were developed from the same engine family.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 440/460
Produced: 460,822 (440) and 238,401 (460)
Body: 5-door hatchback & 4-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line SOHC 1,596 cc; 1,721 cc with or without turbo; 1,794 cc or 1,998 cc, and 4-cylinder in-line SOHC 1,870 cc turbo diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes front and drums rear or discs all round
Dimensions: Overall length 431 cm, wheelbase 250 cm