General: Volvo Newbie - considering a C30

[cs598]

Hi all,

So after two and half years of Italian motoring with my Grande Punto (and many repair bills later), I'm finally in a position to look at changing my car and getting something with a bit more punch to it.

I have pretty much discounted going down the 1 Series, A3, Golf route and decided on a C30. I'm looking at either the 1.8 or 2.0 petrol models. Is there a huge, noticeable difference on the power output between the two?

Thanks
Chris

[marc]

The 2.0 will be easier to find as it was produced for much longer. From my understanding, although there isn't much noticeable performance difference, the 2.0 is the better engine.

Daim on here has the 2.0, maybe he'll chime in.

Failing that, check out the link in my sig.

[Ninja59]

Same engine literally bar capacity you essentially have a Mazda MZR engine albeit missing a few parts from the MZR spec.

The 2.0 suits the weight of a c30 a bit better than the 1.8.

They are chain driven no timing belts .

Overall good engines .

[Daim]

125k miles and not a beat missed... Best engine I have had to date...

[Barnsey]

Got the 1.8 in my 2005 S40 and it struggles with the weight, goodness knows how it is with the 1.6.

Everything I've read since buying recommends the 2.0 for a very minor sacrifice in mpg. Should be great in the C30.

[cs598]

Thanks all for your input. Seems like the consensus is leaning more towards the 2.0. That will certainly be my first choice.

I'm finding it a bit difficult to find a good range of C30s for sale - I guess that's why you hardly see any out on the roads. By the time I put all my requirements into Auto Trader I'm left with little choice for my budget. Guess I'll just have to keep hunting!

[Falmouthboy]

Our 1.8 V50 was 'adequate' and fine for around town. However, it only had a 5 speed gearbox. I believe the 2.0 has a 6 speed box and so with the extra power too will make a far better bet, particularly for motorway use. That said, don't discount an otherwise 'right' 1.8 unless power is really important to you.

[Daim]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

Our 1.8 V50 was 'adequate' and fine for around town. However, it only had a 5 speed gearbox. I believe the 2.0 has a 6 speed box and so with the extra power too will make a far better bet, particularly for motorway use. That said, don't discount an otherwise 'right' 1.8 unless power is really important to you.

Nope, it has the same transmission with better ratios. A 6th gear (as available on some markets in Mazdas!) would be nice, but it has been proven, that the final gearing in 6th is the same as the 5th in the 2.0l so the economy bonus from a 6 speed doesn't happen.

Though the 2.0l is more economical than the 1.8l. Less drives to the local garage to sort the idle issues Otherwise: I easily get a 45+ mpg... Sometimes even more than 50 mpg...