Volvo 850 LS 2.5 20V (170 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.2 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). With a weight of 1375 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 215 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 20V (170 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A smooth and refined engine offering a good balance of power and responsiveness for a naturally aspirated unit.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel consumption for its power output, making it a good compromise between performance and efficiency.

Best Use Case: Drivers seeking a refined, capable engine for mixed driving without the complexity or thirst of a turbo.

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:

General:
Brand:Volvo
Model:850
Generation:LS
Modification (Engine):2.5 20V (170 Hp)
Start of production:1991
End of production:1997
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:170 Hp @ 6100 rpm.
Power per litre:69.8 Hp/l
Torque:220 Nm @ 4700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:B5254S
Engine displacement:2435
Number of cylinders:5
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
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:10.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.9 sec
Maximum speed:215 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.1 kg/Hp, 123.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 160 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1375
Max. weight:1840
Max load:465
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:445 l
Fuel tank capacity:73 l
Size:
Length:4660 mm
Width:1761 mm
Height:1415 mm
Wheelbase:2665 mm
Front track:1520 mm
Rear (Back) track:1470 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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