Hi,

I would like to purchase a Volvo S40 or V50 after using the S40 several times with Zipcar. I'm starting to drive a lot more now, and it doesn't make sense to continue using Zipcar. Since I always check out the S40, when borrowing a Zipcar, I thought I'd just get the S40 (since I love it) or the V50.

I could have sworn that during one rental I had the Volvo S40 T5 version, but I can't recall (and the website has no info)... every other time it has been with a 2.4i engine. If I did, I couldn't tell the difference (but I wasn't looking, either).

I wanted to know what to expect in the performance difference between the Volvo S40 2.4i versus the T5 model? Edmunds just says the 2.4i engine lacks power, but that's vague. I saw that 0-60 takes 8.6 seconds, somewhere on the Internet, versus about 6.6 for the T5 model.

Turbo would be nice, but the difference is about 2k and that's significant. MPG is really not any different (surprisingly), so that doesn't help.

Can anyone offer any advice? I drive 70% on the highway, 20% on long and windy country roads and 10% in the city.


PS: If you have any input about the difference between the V50 T5 and the 2.4i, that would be great too!

 

I have a V50 T5 auto FWD and I have driven the 2.4i as a loaner. The 2.4i has adequate acceleration but the T5 is more powerful. Your numbers look about right.

I do about 80% highway in I95 and DC beltway traffic and pull 28mpg.

That price difference seems a lot.

If you plan on doing any performance enhancements, go for the T5. If you enjoy a decent sound system, look for one with the Premium Sound. You will recognize it by the center dash speaker and 6-disk changer. Otherwise, don't count on audio upgrades as the system is very complex. From mid-2007 and up, the cars have an aux input for iPod. Earlier year, it is not an option.

If you can afford the price difference, I'd def go for the T5.
Stan

 

You can't install an iPod/iPhone hookup (aftermarket) in a 2005 or 2006 S40 or V50?

How does the 2.4i accelerate for you versus the T5 once on the highway and need to pass?

What about cornering differences?

 

The audio systems in these cars is modular and interconnected via fiber optic cables an uses the MOST network. Also notice the display has the audio system and climate control. Therefore, aftermarket head units are a daunting proposition. If you want to add an iPod interface to a 2004.5 - early 2007, there is a device (Dension Gateway 500) that connects into fiber optic MOST network. It goes for about $450 and only works with the Premium Sound System's 6-cd changer. Other options are an FM transmitter or a FM modulator that connects directly to the antenna input. I wish it were better news since I have a 2005 but at least I have the Prem Sound, which is impressive by the way.

Handling is the same for the 2.4i and T5. There was an optional "Dynamic" suspension which improves handling a bit. Otherwise they are the same suspension.

For acceleration once at highway speed... I remember thinking that the 2.4i didn't seem as bad as everyone was saying. The T5 is definitely has more passing power though. I don't regret getting the T5 as all. I don't know if I would have said that if I had gotten the 2.4i. It is more about what you are looking for in a car.

One other minor note and this is rather minor. The T5 is much easier to change spark plugs. The intake plenum on the 2.4i has to be removed to get at them.
Stan

 

Hi there, how does one go about installing an iphone/iPod hookup to my 05 S40? Thank you in advance kind stranger!

~o~

 

Are you looking for a device or do you have one in mind? Note Volvo's iPod adaptor is designed for 2008+ models so you need to find something aftermarket. Look for something that emulates the CD changer...

 

The maintenance load on the 2.4i will be considerably less - anything over 100,000 miles, you're looking at replacing the turbo. Not the end of the world if you're a DIY'er but pricey if you havre to rely on a dealership / indy shop to do it.

I've owned a V70 T5 and a V50 2.4i, and loved the power of the T5 but much preferred the simplicity of the non-turbo car, and found it to have adequate power (it's no slouch, just not going to press you back in the seat under full power).

 

I wouldn't worry too much about added maintenance with the turbo. I drove my first 2005 V50 T5 to 200K miles until it was totaled by a suicidal deer. My present 2005 V50 T5 now has 162K miles. Neither have had any issue with the turbo. The only turbo related item replaced was the Turbo Control Valve which is about $60. For routine maintenance, it is a lot easier to replace spark plugs on the T5. For the 2.4i, you have to remove the intake plenum.

 

I wouldn't worry about giving 10 year old advice for the T5. He probably has bought and sold something already. :-)

Cheap solution? Get an FM transmitter type interface. It's cheap and works 99% of the time.

One of these types:

 

LOL, Hudini... I didn't notice that someone had pirated the original thread to ask an unrelated question. Oh well, I still like normally aspirated cars for my DD. ;-)