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Volvo 850 LS 2.3 T5-R (250 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volvo 850:
The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1991 until 1997. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the car was introduced in a saloon body style; an estate style was introduced in 1993.
The Volvo 850 was shown for the first time in June 1991, and the car marked a departure for Volvo, featuring multiple unprecedented features for the company; these included a transverse 5-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, a Delta-link rear axle, a side impact protection system, and a self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism....(Read more on Wikipedia)
LS Overview:
Volvo 850 (LS). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1490 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo 850 generation predates comprehensive Euro NCAP testing. While not officially rated, Volvo maintained a strong reputation for safety during this era, incorporating robust chassis design and pioneering features like SIPS (Side Impact Protection System).
2.3 T5-R (250 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An iconic performance engine, offering exhilarating acceleration and strong power delivery for its time. A true 'sleeper' performance sedan.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high, as expected for a high-performance turbocharged engine, but acceptable for its power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional safety features for its era (SIPS)
- • Robust and reliable inline five-cylinder engines
- • Spacious and comfortable interior with excellent seats
- • Strong performance variants (T5, T5-R) offer engaging driving
- • Practical sedan body style with good trunk space
Cons:
- • Some engines can be thirsty, especially the turbo models
- • Aging interior design and technology compared to modern cars
- • Front-wheel-drive platform limits ultimate handling dynamics for some enthusiasts
- • Maintenance can be costly if specific Volvo parts are required
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and less responsive
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(LS: 1994 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | 850 |
| Generation: | LS |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 T5-R (250 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 250 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 107.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B5234T5 More details about the engine B5234T5 |
| Engine displacement: | 2319 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6 kg/Hp, 167.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 234.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1490 |
| Max. weight: | 1910 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 445 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4660 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1520 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Volvo 850 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!