I wouldn't put much stock in the car having an airbag. At at least 15 years old, they're nearing the end of their lifespan. I had an accident where mine didn't go off when it should have (head on collision with a guard rail in the snow at 35mph), and though my current car has one, I have no confidence it in.

As for the ABS, I have that too and it doesn't work either. So test it in a car before you buy if its a feature you really want.

Just out of curiosity I looked up the crash test ratings of the 1993 Volvo 240 compared to my more modern VW Beetle and Volvo 850.

From the front impacts, the cars are 'OK' Side impacts is where the 240s shine.
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1993/12-aut/volvo/240/crash-tests/index.html


Meanwhile, my Volvo 850 which has both driver and passenger air bags got the same rating:
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1994/12-aut/volvo/850/crash-tests/index.html


My VW Beetle which has drivers/passenger and side airbags did worse than both Volvos:
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1999/12-aut/volkswagen/beetle/crash-tests/index.html

The 2008 Volvo S60 gets the same rating numbers as my Beetle, surprisingly:
http://www.autobuyguide.com/2008/12-aut/volvo/s60/crash-tests/index.html


I guess my point is that the onboard safety equipment doesn't always tell the story. The local news is featuring the fire department talking about how some of the newer cars like the Volvo XC90 are made out of Boron steel and it's hard for them to cut into those vehicles to extract people at an accident scene. Plus with all the airbags everywhere, they can trigger them while cutting the vehicle, further injuring the people inside.

So in summary, the 240s are antiquated in terms of modern safety features, but they still have really favorable crash test ratings. Better than most present day cars, surprisingly enough.

ABS was optional in 91 models and standard in 92 and 93.

My 1991 240 SE station wagon has the airbag and 4-wheel ABS.


Vin

I think that ABS was first offered as an option in '91. My '91 245 does not have it, but I remember it being available when I bought that car. I thought I heard that it was standard in '93, but I could be wrong.

i think ABS is optional on almost all trims in the years available. airbag was standard '90 to '93 (US).

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_a_Volvo_240_have_dual_airbags
Charles