Performance Review: Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport - [2003]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Volvo S40 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Westfield Sport 2000S and the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 400.This particular Volvo S40 has a 2521cc Turbo 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 S40 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 S40's Front Wheel Drive, Saloon 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 1419 kgs (3128 lbs) this makes the Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport in the same weight category as the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto or the give or take 50kg.

The Volvo S40 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 217 bhp (161 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 Turbo 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 S40 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1976 Ferrari 400 GTS (177.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Volvo S40.

The Volvo S40 has a Power to weight ratio of 152.9 bhp per ton and 166.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 S40 competing with the 1976 Ferrari 400 GTS (177.8 bhp per ton) or the 1993 Subaru Impreza WRX - Classic JDM Wagon (177.8 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 S40 generating around 166.3 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 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R 5.0 V8 (191.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Lexus LS 460 4.6 V8 (191.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.0 secs, this made the Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport as fast as the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the or the 2010 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI DSG (6.80 secs). This Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport is also faster than the 2015 Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Coupe (6.90 secs) the 2013 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 V6 Supercharged (6.90 secs) the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (6.90 secs) the and the 2009 Ford Fiesta ST185 (6.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the S40 and the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

When talking about the performance of the Volvo S40 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.01 secs @ 91.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (14.94 secs), the 2010 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro (14.94 secs), and the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP 1.6 Turbo (14.94 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2003 version of the Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport has a maximum speed of 149mph.

Top Speed of the 2003 S40 equals the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2003 Volvo S40 2.5 T5 Sport then how about the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph), the 2022 Lotus Eletre S 603 bhp (160 mph), or the 2009 Lotus Evora 3.5 V6 (160 mph).

Related Links:

2003 S40 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Volvo

Car Comparison