Volvo 440 460 480 Series
Volvo 480
The Volvo 480ES was launched in 1985 and production commenced in 1986. The Volvo 480 ES played an important role as being the first series-produced front-wheel-drive Volvo car. It was equipped with a transverse installed 4-cyl. 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.
Technical Specifications
Model: 480
Variants: 480 Turbo, 480 S
Produced: 1985 - 1995
Volume: 76375
Body: 2-door sporting hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line, 1,721 cc OHC with or without turbo or 1,998 cc OHC.
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes front and drums rear or discs all round
Dimensions: Wheelbase 250 cm
Misc: The 480 was the first series-produced front-wheel-drive Volvo car.
Volvo 440
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.
During its model life, the 440 were 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.
The 440 was a 5-door hatchback with a characteristic spoiler lip on the tailgate - a design element made famous in the 300 Series.
For the 1994 model year, the 440 underwent a major cosmetic redesign to bring it more into line with its larger 850 stablemate.
Technical Specifications
Model: 440
Produced: 1988 - 1996
Volume: 460822
Body: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line OHC 1,596 cc, 1,721 cc with or without turbo, 1,794 cc or 1,998 cc, and 4-cylinder in-line OHC 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
Volvo 460
The Volvo 460 was launched in 1989 as the saloon version of the front-wheel-drive 440 hatchback.
The Volvo 460 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.
During its model life, the 460 were 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.
Technical Specifications
Model: 460
Produced: 1989 - 1996
Volume: 238401
Body: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line OHC 1,596 cc, 1,721 cc with or without turbo, 1,794 cc or 1,998 cc, and 4-cylinder in-line OHC 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: Wheelbase 250 cm
Source: Volvo Car Corporation.
Volvo 440 celebrates 30th Anniversary.
Volvo 480 ES. The Volvo That Paved The Way To The Future Is Turning 30.
Register Keeper's reports. This page contains a series of articles of technical and general interest by the club official who specialises in this particular Volvo.
Profile on the Volvo 480 An article outlining the history of the 480 Series Volvo
Living with a Volvo 480 An article outlining the day to day running of this model and its care and maintenance
Volvo Brochures These contain technical and general specifications.
460 Turbo modifications Report on tuning the 460 turbo
480 Register Dutch 480 Enthusiasts Club web site
480 web site By Piet de Koning in The Netherlands
Superchips Improve the performance of your car with a new ECU chip.
Dansk 480 Klub 480 club web site from Denmark
440 web site German site by Gerhard P. Hirsch
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