I drive a '85 240 wagon which has finally rusted away to the point of no return. Although rust proofed by the previous owner early in its life, the Maine winters have taken their toll. Therefore it is time to purchase another vehicle. Also being the owner of two BMWs, I find myself continuously comparing the handling and "feel" of the Volvo vs the BMWs, and have always felt that the 240 had dreadful steering response and feel to the point where I don't drive it if I can instead take my 1974 2002 or my wife's newer 525. The Volvo has been aligned numerous times, had different wheels/tires, and had the entire suspension rebuilt at one time or another. So the difference is not mechanical but one of design. But one thing that the Volvo does that neither of my BMWs can is tow light loads (class II) and offer the room that I need for a work car (during the summer, I work on the road and my car is my office), as well as withstand the abuse I heap upon it while hauling construction materials for the house I am building.

So my quandry is whether to purchase another Volvo which I will not enjoy driving but which I know is practical and can also receive good used parts from the earlier car, or shop for a different car. But it has also crossed my mind that there are differences between the early 240s and the later 80s/90s versions.

My question: Are the differences between the early and late 240s merely cosmetic or were there changes to suspension geometries and / or design that create a noticeable difference in handling? Having never driven a post '85 model, I would be interested in hearing someone's subjective view on the differences (in driveability) between the two. And as a sidebar discussion, are the later cars more corrosion resistant?

Thanks in advance,
Tony Fontaine