D3 - D4 Difference

[zony]

It is very confusing. I have a 2010 2.4 D5 fwd Drive R design prem manual box. What engine is that then. Is it now dead. Was it always a Volvo lump or was it a Ford unit. As a new owner I'd like to know.

[craigv60]

The 5-cylinder D3/4/5 motors are all pure Volvo. The D5 5-cylinder is being phased out as the VEA 2.0 4-cylinder D5 is coming in.

[GMcL]

Originally Posted by craigv60

The VEA D4 is the quicker car, but there isn't THAT much in it in terms of performance or economy in everyday use, as the old D3 engine produced the same torque over a wider rev range.

That does surprise me. I thought the new VEA D4 revved over a wider range as the original T2 D3 has packed up and gone home at 3,000rpm, it certainly never worries the indicated 4,500rpm redline.

[craigv60]

The very first T2 D3s in the first model year of the S/V60 produced their peak 400nm from 1,400 to 2,850rpm but the curve fell VERY sharply after that, which is why the peak power was at 2,900rpm.

The MY2012 T3 D3s produced 400nm over a narrower band (1500 - 2750) BUT it didn't fall away quite so sharply after peak, so this version made peak power from 3,000 to just over 3,500.

The VEA D4 only produces its peak 400nm from 1750 - 2500rpm but the second turbo helps keep the torque higher above 3,500rpm, which is why they make 181 / 190bhp at 4,200rpm.

I had a 24-hour test-drive in a T2 D3 which sold me on the car, I really enjoyed the instant grunt from low down. The first one I owned was a T3 D3 which didn't run out of puff quite so early, but didn't quite have the urge of the T2 from really low down.

I very rarely rev the motor past 3,000 anyway so to be honest I didn't notice the power fall-off at the top end.

Interestingly, the gearing in 4th and 5th (manual box) on the VEA D4 is a little shorter than in my old D3 (VEA is about 22.5mph/1000rpm in 4th, D3 was 25mph/1000rpm), which accounts for the VEA's sharper in-gear go.

[GMcL]

If I were looking today I'd make sure I tried the auto especially if I was looking at the newer D4 with the 8 speed auto option.
With the torque available and relatively short 1500rpm working range I feel like I'm rowing the car along on the gearstick at times.

[st4]

I have a 163 in the S80 2litre 5 pot and its great. Smooth, powerful and very frugal. Best car I've ever had,

[JLambe]

Originally Posted by AndyB06

Make it simple and just go for a D5

I've had the old 5 cylinder D3, and now a D5. Mpg is generally 10% worse off in the D5 (running shell nitro), but is worth the extra expense.

Good advice, i should of listened sooner! I thought with my girlfriend having recently passed her test the insurance would be too high but it turns out it's quite reasonable. I had a test drive in a D5 yesterday and really liked it but it was a bit out of my price range. I've found 1 that is quite cheap but has 91,000 miles on the clock, is it a good idea buying 1 with that many miles or is it going to end up costing me more in the long run?