The Volvo 264 was a large rear-wheel-drive sedan in the 200 Series, serving as the upscale V6-powered variant of the 244 model. It emphasized safety, durability, and comfort, with updates in 1980 including an enlarged 2.8-liter engine in most markets.
Key points
- Engine options: Primarily featured a 2.8-liter V6 (B28) with outputs ranging from 129-155 hp depending on carbureted or fuel-injected variants; some European markets offered a 2.4-liter inline-6 diesel (D24) at 79 hp or other petrol options like 2.7-liter V6.
- Performance: Top speeds around 111-115 mph (180-185 km/h), 0-62 mph in 10-11.5 seconds; fuel economy approximately 17-19 mpg combined.
- Dimensions and weight: Length about 188-193 inches, wheelbase 104 inches, curb weight 2,851-3,225 lbs; known for spacious interior and trunk capacity of 13.9 cu ft.
- Features and safety: Power steering, disc brakes on all wheels, optional automatic transmission, air conditioning, and advanced safety like crumple zones; reliable but noted for potential engine oiling issues in V6.
- Production and variants: Built from 1975-1982 with around 132,390 units total; available as GL, GLE trims; diesel variants less common outside Europe.
| Category | Subcategory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General | Body Style | 4-door sedan (saloon), 4/5 seats |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) | |
| Platform | Volvo P platform | |
| Production | 1980-1982 (part of 1975-1982 run; total 132,390 units) | |
| Trims | GL, GLE (DL in some markets); TE limousine variant | |
| Dimensions | Length | 188.2-192.5 in (478-490 cm) |
| Width | 67.3 in (171 cm) | |
| Height | 56.3 in (143 cm) | |
| Wheelbase | 103.9-104.3 in (264-265 cm) | |
| Front/Rear Track | 56.3/53.3-53.5 in (143/135-136 cm) | |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm) | |
| Turning Circle | 32.2 ft (9.8 m) | |
| Aerodynamics (Cd) | 0.45 | |
| Cargo Volume | 13.9 cu ft (394-395 L) | |
| Weights & Capacities | Curb Weight | 2,851-3,225 lbs (1,293-1,465 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 4,190-4,300 lbs (1,900-1,950 kg) | |
| Payload | 920-990 lbs (417-449 kg) | |
| Axle Weights (Front/Rear) | 2,050/2,180-2,600 lbs (930/990-1,180 kg) | |
| Towing (Braked/Unbraked) | 1,500-2,000 lbs (680-908 kg) / Not specified; Hitch Load: 200 lbs (90 kg) | |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8-15.9 US gal (60 L) | |
| Range | ~280 miles (451 km) on full tank | |
| Engine Options | 2.8L V6 (B28E/F Injected) | 2,849 cc, 155 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm; Compression 9.5:1; Bosch fuel injection |
| 2.8L V6 (B28A Carbureted) | 2,849 cc, 129-132 hp @ 5,250 rpm, 156 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm; Compression 8.8:1; SU HIF 6 carburetor | |
| 2.7L V6 (B27E/F) | 2,664 cc, 125-148 hp @ 5,250-5,500 rpm, 146-156 lb-ft @ 2,750-3,000 rpm; Bore/Stroke 3.58 x 2.87 in | |
| 2.4L Diesel (D24) | 2,383 cc inline-6, 79 hp, naturally aspirated; Europe-only | |
| 2.1L Petrol (B21) | 2,127 cc inline-4, 109 hp; Select markets | |
| General Engine | SOHC, 12 valves, aluminum block/cylinder head, water-cooled; Oil Capacity: 6.9 qt (incl. filter) | |
| Performance | Top Speed | 111-115 mph (180-185 km/h) |
| 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 10-11.5 seconds | |
| Power-to-Weight | 0.09-0.12 hp/lb (10.5-11.3 kg/hp) | |
| Transmission | Manual | 4-speed (M46) with overdrive (effective 5th); 5-speed optional; Ratios e.g., 1st 3.71:1, Top 0.8:1, Final 3.73:1 |
| Automatic | 3-speed (BW55); Ratios e.g., 1st 2.45:1, Final 3.54:1 | |
| Suspension & Steering | Front | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Live axle/trailing arms (or De Dion), coil springs | |
| Steering | Power-assisted rack & pinion | |
| Brakes | Front/Rear | Ventilated discs / Solid discs; Dual-circuit hydraulic, power-assisted |
| Tires & Wheels | Size: 175-185/70 R14; Pressures: 27-32 psi (front/rear, load-dependent) | |
| Fuel Economy | Combined (Petrol V6) | 17-19 mpg US (12.6-13.3 L/100km) |
| Combined (Diesel) | Higher efficiency, approx. 25-30 mpg (estimated based on era diesels) | |
| Safety Features | Standard | Crumple zones, inertia-reel belts, safety steering column, brake failure warning, child locks |
| Emissions | Lambda-sond sensor, catalytic converter (US); Closed crankcase ventilation | |
| Interior & Exterior Features | Interior | Adjustable heated seats, power windows/mirrors, A/C with dehumidifier, quartz clock, sunroof, central locking |
| Exterior | Electrically heated rear window, hazard flashers, side markers (US) | |
| Maintenance | Intervals | Oil: 7,500 mi; Full service: 15,000 mi; Coolant: 30,000 mi |
| Fluids | Engine oil: SAE 10W-40; Brake: DOT 4; Transmission: ATF Type F/G | |
| Pricing (1980, Historical) | Base: ~$1,760 AUD (GL); Up to $3,850 AUD (GLE) |
Overview
The 264 was Volvo’s flagship sedan in the early 1980s, blending Swedish engineering for longevity with luxury touches like power windows and heated seats. It shared the robust P platform with the 240 series but added a smoother V6 for better refinement. While praised for safety and build quality, it faced criticism for modest performance and fuel thirstiness compared to contemporaries.
Production and positioning
The Volvo 264 sedan, produced between 1980 and 1982 as part of the broader 200 Series lineup, represented Volvo’s commitment to safety, engineering durability, and modest luxury in the large car segment. Evolving from its 1975 introduction, the 1980 model year saw key updates, including an increase in engine displacement from 2.7 to 2.8 liters for the primary V6 powerplant, enhancing low-end torque while maintaining the car’s rear-wheel-drive layout and emphasis on passenger protection.
This period marked the tail end of the 264’s production run, with total output for the entire 264 model (1975-1982) reaching approximately 132,390 units, assembled primarily in Sweden at facilities like Torslanda and Kalmar, alongside global sites for export markets. The 264 was positioned as an upgraded version of the four-cylinder 244, offering a smoother six-cylinder experience, and was available in trims like GL and GLE, with some regional variations including diesel options in Europe.
Design and safety heritage
Historically, the 264 incorporated safety innovations from Volvo’s 1972 VESC (Volvo Experimental Safety Car) prototype, such as extensive crumple zones at the front and rear to absorb impact energy. Its design featured a boxy, aerodynamic profile (Cd of 0.45) optimized for stability, with modifications to the suspension and braking systems derived from the earlier 140 Series.
By 1980, the model included rust-proof paint treatments and grille updates from prior facelifts, while overlapping with the introduction of the more modern 700 Series in 1982, which eventually phased it out.
Regional variations and emissions
In North America, emissions controls like the Lambda-sond oxygen sensor and catalytic converter were standard, requiring unleaded fuel, whereas European versions offered more flexibility with carbureted setups for lower-octane petrol.
Special variants included the stretched 264 TE limousine (with a 3,430 mm wheelbase for seven seats), produced in limited numbers and used by dignitaries, including Swedish royalty and East German officials.
Engine and drivetrain
Engine options by market
Engine options centered on the PRV V6, a collaborative aluminum-block unit with wet liners, but varied by market. The standard 2.8-liter B28E/B28F (2,849 cc) delivered up to 155 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque in fuel-injected forms, while carbureted B28A versions produced 129 hp for regions with poorer fuel quality.
Earlier 2.7-liter B27E (2,664 cc) carried over briefly in some 1980 models, offering 125-148 hp. In Europe, a 2.4-liter inline-6 diesel (D24, sourced from Volkswagen) provided 79 hp for efficiency-focused buyers, alongside rare 2.1-liter inline-4 petrol (B21, 109 hp) in base configurations.
All engines were longitudinally mounted, with overhead camshafts and water cooling.
Performance and fuel economy
Performance was adequate for the era: the 2.8-liter V6 achieved 0-62 mph in about 10 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph, while the diesel prioritized economy over speed. Fuel economy ranged from 17-19 mpg combined for petrol V6 models, dropping to around 16 L/100km in real-world Australian testing, with the diesel offering better figures.
Transmission options
Most models used the PRV V6 co-developed with Peugeot and Renault, upgraded to 2.8 liters in 1980 for improved torque. Transmissions included a 4-speed manual (M46) with optional electric overdrive for an effective 5th gear, a 5-speed manual, or 3-speed automatic (BW55), all paired with a hypoid final drive and optional limited-slip differential. Gear ratios emphasized highway cruising, with final drive ratios like 3.73:1 or 3.54:1, with rear-wheel drive standard.
Chassis and suspension
Suspension setup
The chassis featured independent MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar, paired with a live axle (or De Dion in some descriptions) at the rear with trailing arms and coil springs.
Steering and braking
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was standard, with turning circles around 32 feet. Braking utilized ventilated discs front and solid discs rear, with dual-circuit hydraulics and a parking brake on the rear wheels. Volvo’s reputation shines here, with features like power-assisted disc brakes, safety steering column, and optional catalytic converter for emissions.
Tires and wheels
Tires were typically 175-185/70 R14, with recommended pressures of 27-32 psi depending on load.
Dimensions and capacity
Dimensions positioned the 264 as a spacious family sedan: length 188-193 inches (478-490 cm), width 67 inches (171 cm), height 56-57 inches (143 cm), and wheelbase 104 inches (264-265 cm). Ground clearance was 4.7-5.5 inches, with front/rear tracks of 56/53 inches.
Curb weights ranged from 2,851-3,225 lbs (1,293-1,465 kg), with GVW up to 4,190-4,300 lbs and towing capacity of 1,500-2,000 lbs (braked). Cargo volume was 13.9 cu ft (394-395 L), expandable in related wagon models but fixed in the sedan.
Interior features and equipment
Interior featured adjustable seats with lumbar support and optional electric heating, power windows/mirrors, central locking, air conditioning with recirculation, quartz clock, and sunroof.
Safety and reliability
Safety features
Safety was a hallmark, with inertia-reel seat belts, child locks, energy-absorbing bumpers, and warning systems for brakes, oil, and bulbs.
Maintenance and service intervals
Maintenance intervals every 7,500 miles; common issues included camshaft wear in V6 engines. Maintenance focused on longevity: oil changes every 7,500 miles, coolant every 30,000 miles, and emissions components like spark plugs and oxygen sensor every 15,000 miles.
Reliability and common issues
While reliable, the V6 was prone to oiling problems and cam wear if not serviced properly.
Pricing
Pricing in 1980 started around $1,760 AUD for base models, up to $3,850 for GLE trims.
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