I used to have a 1986 Volvo 240 DL but it got wrecked. Now I have a 1990 Volvo I can't help wondering if the body styles look a little diff. My 1990 Volvo looks longer and less vertical than the 1986. Is it just me?

 

It's your imagination. The body style for the 240 never changed, not only that but most of the body remained unchanged from the 140 series. In fact, a tailgate from a 1967 145 would fit your car.

 

no real difference between the 86 and the 90. But the bod did change over the years. The early cars came with a flat hood, and single round lights, then the got a coffin hood and quad squares. Then they got a slightly flat hood and the tv screen style lenses. Bumpers and trim also changed. And also the trunk changed, from a flat trunk to a more rounded one.

 

It might have to do with small changes...maybe the way the black tape around the windows was applied. There are some changes with the newer 240 wagons that make them look cleaner, but not necessarily sleeker - like the back window pushed out to the back of the trunk instead of being inset. Congrats on the new car - and sorry to hear about the old one.

 

The look of the 240 did change over the years, but the body size did not. You can swap parts between the year and late 240s. Also, the 1986 240 and the 1990 240 are the exact same car. Headlights and all.

 

Flat hoods are win.