Car & Driver 2008 V70 3.2 test results, 0-60 etc.

[matthew1]

Compare to P2 generation 8 years prior viewtopic.php?f=9&t=96766

[pgill]

Matt,

This is a great post, I really like it.

It does show that the 3.2 (235 HP) is a worthy successor to the T5 (247 HP).

The difference in acceleration (at sea level) is negligible.

Note: in 2001 the Volvo had the best acceleration in the comparison chart (vs. Saab, Audi, BMW) and if the 3.2 could travel back in time it wouldn't have taken Volvo off the podium.

The base price is nearly identical for both vehicles.

But the as tested price is $11K higher for the T5 that difference is staggering. Some of the things that were options on the T5 became standard on the 3.2 (Automatic transmission, Traction Control)

I really like the 3.2 so I am biased. (and I do own two of them)

But I do understand that the 5 cylinder engine has a unique sound so I can't criticize someone else for picking it.


Thanks

Paul

[pgill]

MVS Readers,

For some reason I was thinking about this post.

A YouTube brain teaser question made me think about it.


Here is what I would propose

2001 V70 T5 (247 bhp) 1/4 mile time 15.5 seconds 92 mph

vs

2008 V70 3.2 (235 bhp) 1/4 mile time 15.8 seconds 91 mph


At 92 MPH--> 134 ft./sec * 0.3 seconds = 40 Feet

Think about that the T5 is 40 feet ahead.


To put this in perspective if the 3.2 is in front of the T5 and the 3.2 hits the gas first.

Assuming that the T5 is at least 10 feet behind you.

If the T5 pulls into the next lane to pass (assuming a race track with no speed limit)

- 10 feet to close the gap so that the T5 front bumper is in line with 3.2 back bumper

- 15 feet so the the T5 and 3.2 are nose to nose

- 15 feet to get the T5 back bumper inline with the 3.2 front bumper

That's 40 feet and the T5 has clearly won but it doesn't even have enough space to move back into the slow lane


Think about that if the T5 is behind the 3.2 it won't be able to complete a pass (on a race track) until it gets to over 92 MPH.


If you drive on the Autobahn and you routinely are seeing speed above 100 MPH then the T5 is the clear winner.

At 130 MPH the gap would be almost 800 feet in favor of the T5.

But if you are driving on roads that force you to stay well below 90 MPH then the 3.2 shouldn't disappoint you T5 owners.


Something to think about the 3.2 makes 90% of its peak torque between 2000 RPM and 5500 RPM.

I realize that a turbo engine can be controlled to give a very flat torque curve but for a naturally asperated engine this is really good.

Blue line is 90%

Yellow line is 95%

Torque_2.jpg (143.57 KiB) Viewed 917 times

Take care

Paul


PS I admit my bias I own two 3.2s and zero T5s