Differences between new and older style v70's

I have the v70 classic auto 170bhp 2000 and am considering the new v70 se auto 170 bhp. what are the differences - engine, transmission, suspension, etc. also is there a difference in performance, consumption, between the 16" and 17" wheels. thanks for your anticipated help.

[Col]

The engines are fundamentally the same but Volvo have tweaked them. This along with improved aerodynamics etc make the following changes possible:

Manual Trans.
V70 2435cc 170hp -99: 124mph, 9.2sec 0-60, 26.9mpg

V70 2435cc 170hp 99-: 130mph, 8.8sec 0-60, 31.7mpg

16" or 17" wheels should not affect the performance of the car in terms of top speed or fuel consumption as the aspect ratio (width x height) of the tyres will be reduced on the 17" to give the same rolling circumference. They should grip better as they will be low profile. Mind you, the tyres will be more expensive to replace and they will give a harsher ride than the standard 16" fitment.

Cheers
Col.

thanks for the info
David

With regard to the V70, can anyone please comment on the noise level and "smoothness" of the 99 onwards "2.4" engine compared to the "2.5" engine that it replaced in mid '99?

We've driven a 2000W 2.4 with 5 speed auto gearbox, and a 1999T 2.5 with 4 speed auto gearbox. The newer car was noticeably quieter and smoother. Not clear to us whether this is the engine, the gearbox or other factors. Both cars are in excellent condition.

There are plenty of 3 year old "2.5" cars about at the moment but fewer "2.4", and we're wondering whether it is worth making the effort to find a late '99 car with the new engine, or whether other factors such as the newer auto gearbox are significant. (We don't want to buy a 2000 model SE or Classic because of price and the fact that we don't want leather seats.)

If people want to send us direct email messages and we get a few, we'll post a summary of the views expressed. Or just post your reply!

Peter and Diana Hutchison
hutchison@bcs.org.uk

Talking classic V70 (not new style) the 2.4 and 2.5 engines are the same I'm pretty sure, its just that the engine was something like 2450cc, and therefore should not have been classed as a 2.5, but a 2.4 and new EU regulations forced them to change this.

They did change something to do with the inlet valve timing though, or was it exhaust - but I'm not sure when that was.

[rayspurgeon]

Hi!

I have a W registration V70 classic. The 2.4 and 2.5 engines have identical capacity ie. 2435cc. Volvo had to chnage the description from 2.5 to 2.4 as the EEC held that 2.5 was misleading, the engine being closer to 2.4 in capacity.

The later old style model has a significantly better engine however, based on that developed for the S80 and new style V70.

The later 'classic' model also came fully loaded with extras (such as leather and automatic climate control) being an end of line model.

The engine has variable valve timing and produces better torque at lower revolutions. This coupled to a 5 speed adaptive auto gearbox means it can cruise at 30mph for every 1,000 engine revolutions in 5th gear. This makes for very relaxed and quiet cruising.

The later old style V70 is also fitted with 'fly-by-wire'electronic throttle control - but I am not sure what advantages that brings.

Good luck with your purchase.

Ray Spurgeon

Thank you, that's great information.

We suspected this from driving the two cars. There's quite a difference.

So now we're wondering when they switched the engines and whether they did it before they decided to load everything with leather seats. In other words, if we bought a V reg late '99 car, whether we'd get the new engine.

If nobody else knows, we at least can ask dealers more directed questions!

Peter and Diana Hutchison
hutchison@bcs.org.uk

[rayspurgeon]

Hi again,

Not sure when the revised engine was introduced. I think it may have been mid-1999. My engine is designated "B5244 S2" if that helps. The S2 may indicate series 2. If you ring a volvo dealer or volvo uk they may know when the change took place.

Details of the new engine can be found at www.autoworld.com/news/Volvo/RevisedEngines.htm

under the heading: "Volvo's new revised engines - greater driving pleasure, quieter operation and lower fuel consumption."

I can attest to the above. At 80mph on French motorways (where tyre noise is less intrusive - better surface)you just here a faint background swoosh of air around the car.

Ray

Thanks again!

The description certainly fits our experience. I really wouldn't say the 2.5 20v as from early '99 was anywhere near as smooth as the newer one.

That gives us some good info when asking dealers to find us a car. I have already spoken to Volvo UK who were happy to talk to me but a bit vague - I'll try them again armed with this new information. The customer care people did tell me that if I gave them a registration number they could check on their database to see what engine etc it had. That could save us a wasted trip.

Peter and Diana Hutchison
hutchison@bcs.org.uk