t5 / vxr ???

[mobile]

i find that my v50 t5 seems massively different in acceleration to my wife's astra vxr. my question is the 20bhp difference that massive of a difference in the feeling of acceleration. just seems so much more rapid/aggressive in the vxr than the t5 and i get its a bigger car. so whats the opinions?

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by mobile

i find that my v50 t5 seems massively different in acceleration to my wife's astra vxr. my question is the 20bhp difference that massive of a difference in the feeling of acceleration. just seems so much more rapid/aggressive in the vxr than the t5 and i get its a bigger car. so whats the opinions?

How much Astra VXR weight? what year is it?
I suspect its less heavy than our T5's and it also use high pressure turbo so I reckon it feels quicker and maybe actually is?
not 100% sure... VXR is UK's version of OPC yea?

[Markos01]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

How much Astra VXR weight? what year is it?
I suspect its less heavy than our T5's and it also use high pressure turbo so I reckon it feels quicker and maybe actually is?
not 100% sure... VXR is UK's version of OPC yea?

I think so LOB.

Some cars can feel faster than others even though they are actually slower, all about torque and delivery and refinement I guess.

But in this case the VXR might be mapped (at factory) to be more aggressive at the lower end at the expense of top-end pull, which might make it feel faster as speeds below 70mph, and assuming it has a high pressure turbo might make all the difference too, as said above. And it must be lighter so the 20bhp difference might be more like 30bhp by the time you factor that in.

[FunkyMelon]

The VXR will be every so slightly faster as it's got a bit more power (10hp) it's got a high pressure turbo (the best type IMO) so you FEEL the power.

The T5 is pretty boring for 'fun' driving since the power is there all the time - Great for fast cruising and gaining speed quickly, but it's not a 'giggle' car like the older T5's or T4's with their high pressure turbos.

You can have 350+bhp in these T5's are they still feel the same, quick but not a huge amount of fun. Sadly it's just the nature of how Volvo setup these cars, quick motorway munchers, not wheel spinning 'throw in your seat' type cars.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

The VXR will be every so slightly faster as it's got a bit more power (10hp) it's got a high pressure turbo (the best type IMO) so you FEEL the power.

The T5 is pretty boring for 'fun' driving since the power is there all the time - Great for fast cruising and gaining speed quickly, but it's not a 'giggle' car like the older T5's or T4's with their high pressure turbos.

You can have 350+bhp in these T5's are they still feel the same, quick but not a huge amount of fun. Sadly it's just the nature of how Volvo setup these cars, quick motorway munchers, not wheel spinning 'throw in your seat' type cars.

another thing is gearing , a tall gearset will take the edge off anything . how do the two cars compare in top gear at 70 mph rpm wise ?

[mobile]

Originally Posted by Clan

another thing is gearing , a tall gearset will take the edge off anything . how do the two cars compare in top gear at 70 mph rpm wise ?

Good point I'll check.

[mobile]

Cheers lads, it's a nurburgring so a bit lighter than standard vxr and a bit quicker but just seems night and day compared to the t5. Feels more of an immediate torquey kick where as the t5 just doesn't trouble the old neck muscles. Guessing it is just a combination of weight, gearing, map and the turbo. Can't have the wife winning 😉

[Clan]

Originally Posted by mobile

i find that my v50 t5 seems massively different in acceleration to my wife's astra vxr. my question is the 20bhp difference that massive of a difference in the feeling of acceleration. just seems so much more rapid/aggressive in the vxr than the t5 and i get its a bigger car. so whats the opinions?

do you find the acceleration figures are slower than the volvo though? some cars just do it with no drama ...