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Volvo 66 Combi GL 1.3 (57 Hp) Variornatic
Overall Rating
Volvo 66:
The Volvo 66 is an automobile developed from the DAF 66, which was originally styled by Giovanni Michelotti. The compact car was introduced in August 1975, almost exactly a year after Volvo bought DAF, and before production of the Volvo 300 Series began.
The Volvo 66 was known for its continuously variable transmission, the Variomatic. The Volvo version of the car was slightly restyled and given larger bumpers and Volvo-style headrests, similar to those of the Volvo 240. Although this was in keeping with Volvo's emphasis on safety, it also increased its cost of production....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Combi Overview:
Volvo 66 (Combi). With 94 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 864 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo 66 Combi predates modern Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. While Volvo was a pioneer in safety for its era, this model would not meet contemporary crash safety standards.
GL 1.3 (57 Hp) Variornatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a slight improvement in power over the 1.1L, making it marginally more capable for mixed driving, but still not a performance car.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the 1.1L, the 1.3L engine with Variomatic should offer decent economy for its era, balancing its slightly increased power with efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unique Variomatic automatic transmission
- • Practical station wagon body for its size
- • Volvo's reputation for safety (for its era)
- • Compact dimensions and good maneuverability
- • Good visibility from the driver's seat
Cons:
- • Very low power output by modern standards
- • Dated performance and driving dynamics
- • Variomatic transmission can be complex to maintain
- • Basic interior features and amenities
- • Limited availability of parts for restoration today
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | 66 |
| Generation: | Combi |
| Modification (Engine): | GL 1.3 (57 Hp) Variornatic |
| Start of production: | 1975 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 57 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 44.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 94 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B130E |
| Engine displacement: | 1289 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.3 l |
| Coolant: | 4.8 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 73 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 77 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.2 kg/Hp, 66 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 864 |
| Max. weight: | 1260 |
| Max load: | 396 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3900 mm mm |
| Width: | 1540 mm mm |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2250 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1300 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1230 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.55 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Variornatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 13 |
| Rear suspension | Suspension De-Dion |
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