Hi! I recently became the proud owner of a 1984 Volvo 240 DL diesel wagon, manual transmission. It's a boat of a car, 3,100lbs, 80 horsepower (I think). It runs well but I've only been able to get it up around 70mph on flat terrain, slower on hills, and up over 80mph downhill. Granted, I don't really need to go much faster than 70, but I'd like to know if anyone else has a diesel wagon that doesn't really move that fast. Or, if anyone has any suggestions as to why I might be running slow.
Thanks a lot!

 

My Geo weighs 1800 LBS and has 55 HP and getting it to 80MPH is a challenge. I never owned or driven a diesel 240, but I suspect it's normal. Plenty of torque, but no top end.

Remember, this car was made when the national speed limit was 55 MPH.

 

Diesel wagon sounds normal performance to me. Throw a hairdryer on it.

Regards, Andrew.