Engine: D5: 163bhp or 185bhp

[Alfredtupper]

Originally Posted by imy

Thanks for your reply .

Is there much differnce in performance/ top speed I.e are the gear ratios different in a autobox in 163 and 185 bhp versions?

I drove both versions before settling on a 163 mainly because they have no DPF and seem to be more reliable generally as well as being a lot better on fuel , neither are exactly a ball of fire to drive so really i was not prepared to risk the associated issues with the 185 engine for a marginal increase in performance because its not what these cars are about , if your after a performance diesel buy a bmw with the three litre straight six motor

Have to say mines been a paragon of reliabilty its done over 160k , its still on its original clutch and ive not replaced anything but normal service items apart from the intercooler
As said not the most exciting car to drive but a superb workhorse

[mattwilde66]

Well finally i'm an owner of both. I've just bought a 2004 163bhp XC in Norway. I'm not saying how much for because it makes me cry inside thinking about it. I can say though now, for certain, the 163bhp is brilliant. Its a bit more dithery on the 5 speed box but it pulls up the norwegain hills as good as anything. The speed limits are only 80km/hr anyway so it does the job brilliantly. I also prefer the front end and the old lights. I would prefer the back bumper though of the later one. All I need now is a spoiler. Its only done 99000 kms so its hardly been broken in

Beiarn. End of the road by Matt Wilde, on Flickr

IMG_1916 by Matt Wilde, on Flickr

[Simon Jones]

Brilliant photos. I've had a 163 XC70 for 5 years and am looking to got for late 185 P2 or early P3. Do you notice much difference in power and fuel consumption?

[GrahamBrown1]

ive always fancied an xc shame I cant justify the need for one great pictures tho!