For 1989, three versions of the front-engine/rear-drive Volvo 740 were available. In addition to the GLE, Volvo offered the 740 GL and the 740 Turbo. Each of the 740’s was offered in sedan or wagon configuration. Each was powered by a variation on Volvo’s 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine.
As a looker, the 740 body was a continuation of the familiar, almost comforting vision of stacked Volvo boxes. The interior and exterior dimensions are identical to those of previous years. The impression given was more one of strength rather one of sportiness.
The GL was Volvo’s entry-level 740, one step below the GLE. Pierced at around $20,000, the 740 GL got the SOHC 2-valve per cylinder version of the engine. The 8-valver put out 114-bhp at 5400 rpm and pulled 136 lb-ft of torque at 2750.
one performance step up from the GLE was the 740 Turbo.
Residing between the 740 GL and the 740 Turbo was the subject of the test linked below: the 740 GLE. And residing within the engine bay of the GLE was the highlight of that car: a 16-valve twin cam four, Volvo’s first foray into the better-breathing world of multivalve engines.
of torque at 2750.
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