Performance Review: Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Volvo C70 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8 and the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8.This particular Volvo C70 has a 2521cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 5 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St5's includes the 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo

The C70 shares its Petrol St5 engine configuration with the likes of the 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo and the 2018 Audi TT RS 2.5 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the C70's Front Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1711 kgs (3772 lbs) this makes the Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Volvo C70 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2521cc 20V St5 engine produces 220 bhp (164 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St5 throws out 236 lb-ft (319.9 Nm) @ 1500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (236 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Volvo C70 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1986 Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 (153.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Volvo C70.

The Volvo C70 has a Power to weight ratio of 128.5 bhp per ton and 137.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 C70 competing with the 1986 Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 (153.5 bhp per ton) or the 1992 Volkswagen-VW Corrado 2.9 VR6 (153.5 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Volvo C70 generating around 137.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Roadster (162.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2004 Audi A4 S4 4.2 Quattro Cabriolet (162.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.6 secs, this made the Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport as fast as the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue (7.40 secs) the 2013 KIA Pro Ceed GT 1.6 Turbo (7.40 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper S Paceman (7.40 secs) the or the 2012 Seat Ibiza 1.4 FR Turbo Supercharged (7.40 secs). This Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport is also faster than the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (7.50 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue Wagon (7.50 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD Variant 2.0 TDi DSG (7.50 secs) the and the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Premium (7.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the C70 and the 2007 Mazda 6 MPS 2.3T

When talking about the performance of the Volvo C70 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.85 secs @ 86.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2007 Mazda 6 MPS 2.3T (15.78 secs), the 2011 Lexus GS 350 (15.79 secs), and the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 440 V8 1st Gen (15.80 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport has a maximum speed of 150mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 C70 equals the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2006 Volvo C70 2.5 T5 Coupe Convertible Sport then how about the 2013 Porsche Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6 Turbo (161 mph), the 2013 Porsche Panamera 3.6 V6 (161 mph), or the 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo (161 mph).

Related Links:

2006 C70 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Volvo

Car Comparison