2.5t vs 3.2?

emptybe · Sep 27th, 2021, 16:18

With the sudden decline of our beloved XC90 2.5t we're urgently in need of a replacement. I not a fan of diesels and loved the 2.5t but they don't come up too often. I've found an OK 2.5t and a 3.2 for a bit more money but the later one does look a lot nicer and have the 6-speed transmission.

Anybody have any thoughts on 1st gen 2.5t vs face-lift 3.2? Much appreciated.

TruckbusUK · Sep 27th, 2021, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by emptybe

With the sudden decline of our beloved XC90 2.5t we're urgently in need of a replacement. I not a fan of diesels and loved the 2.5t but they don't come up too often. I've found an OK 2.5t and a 3.2 for a bit more money but the later one does look a lot nicer and have the 6-speed transmission.

Anybody have any thoughts on 1st gen 2.5t vs face-lift 3.2? Much appreciated.

If it was my money ... 3.2ltr every day.

Tannaton · Sep 27th, 2021, 17:20

2.5T's are older cars now, the AW55's have the splines sleeve issues and no matter how good then engines are - normally aspirated versions will always be more reliable.

So if both are in budget I would be 3.2 all day long (or 4.4 V8!).

emptybe · Oct 4th, 2021, 11:23

Thanks peeps. I was worried about other chatter I've seen about the 3.2 being 'dull' and needing to be revved very hard to get any performance out compared to the 2.5t.

I'd love a V8 but they're rare and out of our budget.

Anyone else have day-to-day experience with a 3.2?

Rocinante · Oct 4th, 2021, 11:53

Have a read through this recent thread, for some insights.

Post 10, is most relevant, but other posts useful.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...ghlight=petrol

Neil_ · Oct 17th, 2021, 23:09

We were in a similar position, our 2.5 died, great car. Really struggled to find another so got a facelift 3.2.

First impressions are how crazy quiet the engine is, without the turbo kick it actually makes it a really smooth drive. Put your foot down and it pulls pretty well, also weird to see the rev counter climb so high compared to the 2.5t, but get past that and the hesitation to put your foot down and I think they're great.

(Ours has just developed a really weird hum which is bugging the hell out of me though, probably the topic of another post)

Simon PMB · Oct 19th, 2021, 17:14

I bought a 2007 3.2 a few months back and am really pleased with it.

The engine is great and I think the performance is really good. Cant understand any of the comments about the 3.2 being underpowered, unless you are comparing to the 4.4 V8.

Only significant downside is the high cost of road tax.

Sep 27th, 2021, 16:18	#1
emptybe New Member Last Online: Apr 3rd, 2024 09:55 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: London	2.5t vs 3.2? With the sudden decline of our beloved XC90 2.5t we're urgently in need of a replacement. I not a fan of diesels and loved the 2.5t but they don't come up too often. I've found an OK 2.5t and a 3.2 for a bit more money but the later one does look a lot nicer and have the 6-speed transmission. Anybody have any thoughts on 1st gen 2.5t vs face-lift 3.2? Much appreciated.

Sep 27th, 2021, 17:20	#3
Tannaton Bungling Amateur Last Online: Today 10:46 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Beverley, East Yorks	2.5T's are older cars now, the AW55's have the splines sleeve issues and no matter how good then engines are - normally aspirated versions will always be more reliable. So if both are in budget I would be 3.2 all day long (or 4.4 V8!). __________________ 2011 XC90 D5 Executive 2003 C70 T5 GT 2012 Ford Ranger XL SC 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 1976 Massey Ferguson 135

Oct 4th, 2021, 11:53	#5
Rocinante Master Member Last Online: Mar 27th, 2024 12:26 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mystery Location	Have a read through this recent thread, for some insights. Post 10, is most relevant, but other posts useful. https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...ghlight=petrol Last edited by Rocinante; Oct 4th, 2021 at 12:48.

Oct 17th, 2021, 23:09	#6
Neil_ Member Last Online: Nov 4th, 2022 17:34 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Under the car	We were in a similar position, our 2.5 died, great car. Really struggled to find another so got a facelift 3.2. First impressions are how crazy quiet the engine is, without the turbo kick it actually makes it a really smooth drive. Put your foot down and it pulls pretty well, also weird to see the rev counter climb so high compared to the 2.5t, but get past that and the hesitation to put your foot down and I think they're great. (Ours has just developed a really weird hum which is bugging the hell out of me though, probably the topic of another post) __________________ Current XC90 3.2 MY56, C70 T5 MY53, S60 2.0T MY02 Previous 940 2.0 MY95, XC90 2.5T MY05

Oct 4th, 2021, 11:23	#4
emptybe New Member Last Online: Apr 3rd, 2024 09:55 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: London	Thanks peeps. I was worried about other chatter I've seen about the 3.2 being 'dull' and needing to be revved very hard to get any performance out compared to the 2.5t. I'd love a V8 but they're rare and out of our budget. Anyone else have day-to-day experience with a 3.2?

Oct 19th, 2021, 17:14	#7
Simon PMB New Member Last Online: Apr 14th, 2024 23:07 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: East Barnet	I bought a 2007 3.2 a few months back and am really pleased with it. The engine is great and I think the performance is really good. Cant understand any of the comments about the 3.2 being underpowered, unless you are comparing to the 4.4 V8. Only significant downside is the high cost of road tax.

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