2014 V70 D3 or D4

Jameslyne2 · Jan 7th, 2021, 18:44

Please could someone advise me about the pros and cons of the five cylinder 136bhp D3 vs. the newer 180bhp D4 fitted in the 2014 V70.

I am looking to buy one with a geartronic gearbox. My impression from anecdotal evidence is that the older 5 cylinder engine is more durable and has more torque

Zebster · Jan 7th, 2021, 19:00

I'm not sure what version of the D4 was fitted to that vintage V70, but it probably depends on whether AWD or FWD.

I have the 'newer' VEA 4-cylinder D4 engine in my 2015 V60. It's a great engine with nice power deliver and good economy but there is a well-established problem of EGR issues on these... So long as there's history of the EGR cooler having been replaced, with software updates and all recall actions having been done then it should be ok.

I haven't checked, but I'd expect the new D4 to have a higher peak torque than the older D3. But what does it matter, seeing as how torque is proportionately modified by the gearing anyway? Surely the power delivery characteristics are more important, especially if considering towing?

Jameslyne2 · Jan 7th, 2021, 19:14

thanks-much appreciate
I thought, perhaps, the power was more evenly distributed with 5 cylinders with more "natural" power as opposed to the power being generated from a smaller engine with twin turbos. Also less to go wrong.

But from what you're saying, as long as it has a main dealer history and the EGR recall has been done then the new engine is better.

Zebster · Jan 7th, 2021, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jameslyne2

thanks-much appreciate
I thought, perhaps, the power was more evenly distributed with 5 cylinders with more "natural" power as opposed to the power being generated from a smaller engine with twin turbos. Also less to go wrong.

But from what you're saying, as long as it has a main dealer history and the EGR recall has been done then the new engine is better.

My VEA D4 has had two EGR cooler replacements (blocked), an EGR valve (stuck open), an intake manifold assembly (swirl valves seized) and several software updates... the only thing I had to contribute towards financially was the valve (only 50% but I really should have contested that!). Now on 87k miles and I'm very happy with it and wouldn't dream of wanting to swap it for an older D3. Others are bound to have a different view and I've never driven the D3 variant you refer to, neither have I driven an auto version.

Tannaton · Jan 7th, 2021, 23:48

Having owned both there really isn’t much difference reliability wise between the 4 pot and the 5 pot, providing the car has full service history and had all recall work done. The 5 pot is probably more robust but the 4 pot is more refined.

However I didn’t think the V70 got the VEA until MY15, so check carefully,

Sotosound · Jan 8th, 2021, 09:24

The V70 got the VEA engine in 2014. I have a 2014 64-reg VEA D4.

The D4 has lots of power which, in combination with the 8-speed autobox, will show a clean pair of heels to an early P3 D5 Geartronic.

The VEA D4 as installed in the V70 is also far smoother and refined than one would ever expect a 4-cylinder engine to be. All in all, it's a great engine from a driver's perspective.

The 5-cylinder 136hp D3 is a lovely and smooth engine, but it's well down on power and performance when compared with the VEA D4. Closer would be the 5-cylinder 163hp D4 from the same period.

In terms of reliability, the VEA's EGR issues are well-documented but are also covered by recalls. Some VEA engines from that period also have high oil consumption due to blocked oil control rings on the pistons, but mine doesn't.

Zebster · Jan 8th, 2021, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sotosound

...Some VEA engines from that period also have high oil consumption due to blocked oil control rings on the pistons, but mine doesn't.

Good point. Mine does need the odd 0.5L top-up between services but I don't find it a big deal... dealer did a compression test when the intake manifold was replaced and all was good there, so it is really just an oil control issue.

Tannaton · Jan 8th, 2021, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sotosound

The V70 got the VEA engine in 2014. I have a 2014 64-reg VEA D4.

64 reg will be post 1st September so it will be a 2015 model year car - for some reason Volvo, and others, start selling the next model year around the start of Q2.

Sotosound · Jan 8th, 2021, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tannaton

64 reg will be post 1st September so it will be a 2015 model year car - for some reason Volvo, and others, start selling the next model year around the start of Q2.

A bit like comics and magazines, only more so, eh?

Jan 7th, 2021, 18:44	#1
Jameslyne2 New Member Last Online: Jan 7th, 2021 22:49 Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Banbury	2014 V70 D3 or D4 Please could someone advise me about the pros and cons of the five cylinder 136bhp D3 vs. the newer 180bhp D4 fitted in the 2014 V70. I am looking to buy one with a geartronic gearbox. My impression from anecdotal evidence is that the older 5 cylinder engine is more durable and has more torque

Jan 7th, 2021, 19:00	#2
Zebster Upstanding Member Last Online: Sep 12th, 2023 11:29 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Ludlow	I'm not sure what version of the D4 was fitted to that vintage V70, but it probably depends on whether AWD or FWD. I have the 'newer' VEA 4-cylinder D4 engine in my 2015 V60. It's a great engine with nice power deliver and good economy but there is a well-established problem of EGR issues on these... So long as there's history of the EGR cooler having been replaced, with software updates and all recall actions having been done then it should be ok. I haven't checked, but I'd expect the new D4 to have a higher peak torque than the older D3. But what does it matter, seeing as how torque is proportionately modified by the gearing anyway? Surely the power delivery characteristics are more important, especially if considering towing? __________________ GONE: 2015 V60 D4 181 (VEA) R-Design Lux Nav manual in black

Jan 7th, 2021, 23:48	#5
Tannaton Bungling Amateur Last Online: Today 21:31 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Beverley, East Yorks	Having owned both there really isn’t much difference reliability wise between the 4 pot and the 5 pot, providing the car has full service history and had all recall work done. The 5 pot is probably more robust but the 4 pot is more refined. However I didn’t think the V70 got the VEA until MY15, so check carefully, __________________ 2011 XC90 D5 Executive 2003 C70 T5 GT 2012 Ford Ranger XL SC 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 1976 Massey Ferguson 135

Jan 7th, 2021, 19:14	#3
Jameslyne2 New Member Last Online: Jan 7th, 2021 22:49 Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Banbury	thanks-much appreciate I thought, perhaps, the power was more evenly distributed with 5 cylinders with more "natural" power as opposed to the power being generated from a smaller engine with twin turbos. Also less to go wrong. But from what you're saying, as long as it has a main dealer history and the EGR recall has been done then the new engine is better.

Jan 8th, 2021, 09:24	#6
Sotosound Premier Member Last Online: Today 22:53 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Aylesbury	The V70 got the VEA engine in 2014. I have a 2014 64-reg VEA D4. The D4 has lots of power which, in combination with the 8-speed autobox, will show a clean pair of heels to an early P3 D5 Geartronic. The VEA D4 as installed in the V70 is also far smoother and refined than one would ever expect a 4-cylinder engine to be. All in all, it's a great engine from a driver's perspective. The 5-cylinder 136hp D3 is a lovely and smooth engine, but it's well down on power and performance when compared with the VEA D4. Closer would be the 5-cylinder 163hp D4 from the same period. In terms of reliability, the VEA's EGR issues are well-documented but are also covered by recalls. Some VEA engines from that period also have high oil consumption due to blocked oil control rings on the pistons, but mine doesn't.

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