Volvo 850 LS 2.5 10V (144 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 206 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1365 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 205 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).
2.5 10V (144 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A marginal improvement over the 140hp version, offering slightly better responsiveness for everyday driving.
Fuel Economy
Similar fuel economy to the 140hp variant, providing a good balance for mixed driving conditions.
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(Combi (LW): 1993 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | 850 |
| Generation: | LS |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 10V (144 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 144 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.1 Hp/l [49mm less] |
| Torque: | 206 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B5252S More details about the engine B5252S |
| Engine displacement: | 2435 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.5 kg/Hp, 105.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 150.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1365 |
| Max. weight: | 1840 |
| Max load: | 475 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 455 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4660 mm [49mm less] |
| Width: | 1761 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1415 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm [5mm less] |
| 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 | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |

















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