Faults:

The biggest problem with the car during the entire time I owned it was the airflow sensor; when it fails, it causes jerking, stalling, and sudden engine cutouts.

Camshafts suffer premature wear if the oil is not changed on time.

Corrosion or weakness in the dashboard wiring and fuses.

The driver's side electric window regulator broke, and I had to replace it (it was expensive because it's Italian, not Swedish).

Sheet metal isn't the best; it's prone to rust.

General Comments:

The car is objectively better-looking than any Volvo from the 80s (objectivity doesn't really exist, true, but I couldn't think of any other way to put it). Bertone's Italian design really shines through here; it’s a coupe that still looks attractive today, in fact, it’s far better-looking than any of today's SUVs.

Everything that was previously optional on the 760 is standard on the 780. It could well be considered a Swedish-Italian hybrid. Features include fine wood (mahogany) trim on the passenger-side dashboard, an air conditioning system with automatic temperature control ranging from 17°C to 27°C, and a radio with a station-seeking function, simply press the "search" button, and the unit scans the airwaves until it finds a station to your liking.

Among other features that were novel for the time, it included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electric side-mirror adjustment, and manual releases for the trunk and fuel filler flap located on the left-hand pillar. The most significant new feature (already available as an option on the 760) was the cruise control system. By simply pressing a button on the turn-signal stalk, the system's onboard microcomputer would lock in the vehicle's current speed as the cruising speed. The driver could then comfortably take their foot off the accelerator; the system would automatically disengage at the slightest touch of the brake pedal.

The engine is spirited but not ferocious. Its fuel consumption is excessive, that is the biggest downside, and while it accelerates very well, the top speed is not at all impressive. It offers good pulling power and responsiveness, giving the impression that the car weighs 50 to 100 kilos less than it actually does.

Handling and roadholding are outstanding, as with any Volvo. It offers excellent grip in corners and performs flawlessly, even when pushed hard during acceleration, braking, and high-speed cornering.

The steering is responsive and smooth, unaffected by acceleration or braking. The sports-style steering wheel is perfect in both size and feel.

As for the brakes, they are perfect, reliable and unwavering, even at high speeds. They do not require heavy pedal pressure, unless the engine has been turned off. Thanks to the ABS system, they do not lock up. They perform excellently even under rally-style driving conditions, where the brakes are subjected to extreme stress.

The car's greatest strengths are its comfort and spaciousness; despite being a coupe, four people (five or more are out of the question) can sit comfortably with enough room to cross or shift their legs, tuck them up, and even converse face-to-face while on the move (with the exception of the driver, of course). As an added touch, the space between the two rear seats (which do not fold down) is specially designed to hold a fine cognac and glasses, while magazines or books have their own dedicated storage areas on the side panels. The soft yet firm leather pilot-style seats provide a perfect fit, allowing the legs to rest without putting pressure on the veins, avoiding the dangerous numbness in the limbs often experienced in other cars.

With a sporty look and high build quality, it is a modern-day classic that many would love to own, provided it has been well maintained.

Faults:

I have owned this car for a year, as I bring it back it back to life as a seldom drive it. This is not my daily driver. I have driven it 1000 miles in a year. The car made it 500 miles to my house from the previous owner and died. I needed a new fuel relay and a fuse box. Easy enough.

The car leaks oil around the rear main seal and the rear differential. I'll fix those in a few years. They are slow leaks and old Volvos are known to leak with their original seals.

I can't get too mad about the issues with this car. It is nearly 25 years old.

The car had some slight rust, which has been addressed. The rust was most likely caused by shoddy body work from before I owned it.

The leather in the back is like new. The front seats are being redone. Old Volvo leather is terrible.

90% of the electrical components still work!

General Comments:

This is a project car I am restoring back to life with many hours of work and many thousands of dollars. I'll probably have $7,000 in costs bringing this girl back to life.

This car is very easy to work on. The interior parts fit very well together and in a logical fashion. Various websites provide parts for this EXTREMELY RARE (even rare when new) car. There aren't many of these cars left 23 years after they last made them. An internet search in the US will show 2-3 available for sale at any one time. You are more likely to see a Ferrari than one of these on the road.

The car has good pick-up from the reliable redblock engine. The styling is wonderful. It was designed and built by Bertone in Italy, so it has a Maserati Biturbo/etc look to it.

The car drives well, and what I love about it is you may see one a year where I live. And if you do, it is either beaten up or in wonderful condition, but you have to be an enthusiast to drive this car. This isn't a car for a novice driver, because it can be needy.