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Volvo 1800 S 1.8 (108 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volvo 1800:
The Volvo P1800 is a 2+2, front-engine, rear-drive sports car manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars between 1961 and 1973. Originally a coupé , it was also offered in a shooting brake configuration toward the end of its production. Styling was by Pelle Petterson under the tutelage of Pietro Frua when Frua's studio was a subsidiary of the Italian Carrozzeria Ghia, and the mechanicals were derived from Volvo's Amazon/122 series.
Marketed as a touring car rather than a sports car, the P1800 became widely known when driven by British actor Roger Moore in the television series The Saint, which aired from 1962 to 1969. In 1998, an 1800S owned by Irv Gordon was certified as the highest mileage private vehicle driven by the original owner in non-commercial service—having exceeded 3. 25 million miles as of his death in 2018....(Read more on Wikipedia)
S Overview:
Volvo 1800 (S). With 149 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1120 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo 1800S predates modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP. While built with Volvo's reputation for safety in its era, it lacks contemporary safety features such as airbags or advanced driver-assistance systems.
1.8 (108 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The earlier 1.8L B18 engine with 108 Hp offers adequate performance for the lightweight coupe, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, though less potent than the later 2.0L.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the 2.0L, the 1.8L carburetted engine delivers moderate fuel efficiency for its time, likely in the low to mid-20s MPG. Maintenance is key for optimal economy.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling and iconic design.
- • Legendary B-series engine reliability and durability.
- • Comfortable grand touring capabilities.
- • Strong classic car market appeal and investment potential.
- • Engaging driving experience for a classic.
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection.
- • Fuel economy is poor by contemporary standards.
- • Performance, while good for its era, is modest compared to modern cars.
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for specific trim pieces.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(P1800: 1961 - 1963).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | 1800 |
| Generation: | S |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 (108 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1963 |
| End of production: | 1965 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 108 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 60.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 149 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B18B [Same engine] More details about the engine B18B |
| Engine displacement: | 1780 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.75 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.14 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1120 |
| Max. weight: | 1400 |
| Max load: | 280 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4400 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1700 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1285 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2450 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1315 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1315 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 165/80 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Volvo 1800. How does it handle on the road?