Mazda 6 v Volvo S80 fuel consumption

DARK-KNIGHT

Hi we currently have a mazda 6 2004 1.8 and need a bigger car so was looking at an S80 2 litre petrol would the S80 be incredibly expensive to run in comparison to the mazda? The s 80 is also 2004

Superwofy

Make of these what you will:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/6/saloon-2002/22973/
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/volvo/s80/saloon-1998/24982/

The S80 is ~240kg heavier, has a bigger engine, an extra cylinder and a turbocharger. So yes, there will be a difference.
It's also significantly more refined, faster, safer and in my opinion(if you don't get the silver one) better looking. It's up to you to decide whether you'd trade some running cost for the aforementioned luxuries.

stimpson

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

Hi we currently have a mazda 6 2004 1.8 and need a bigger car so was looking at an S80 2 litre petrol would the S80 be incredibly expensive to run in comparison to the mazda? The s 80 is also 2004

I've a 2003 S60 with the same engine and it does about 32mpg on petrol, though I do have a bit of a heavy right foot. I would assume the S80 would be slightly less.

The 2.0T is a cracking engine - the extra cylinder makes a big difference to smoothness. But as said above it's heavy so performance is decent rather than fast. They do take LPG conversions really well though and I'm getting the equivalent of around 45mpg on gas. I say this as you're in Kildare and I know there is an LPG station around Naas. If you're doing the miles it would be worth considering.

DARK-KNIGHT

stimpson wrote: »

I've a 2003 S60 with the same engine and it does about 32mpg on petrol, though I do have a bit of a heavy right foot. I would assume the S80 would be slightly less.

The 2.0T is a cracking engine - the extra cylinder makes a big difference to smoothness. But as said above it's heavy so performance is decent rather than fast. They do take LPG conversions really well though and I'm getting the equivalent of around 45mpg on gas. I say this as you're in Kildare and I know there is an LPG station around Naas. If you're doing the miles it would be worth considering.

Are the lpg conversion kits expensive

stimpson

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

Are the lpg conversion kits expensive

It cost me 1100 from lpgain.ie (based in Finglas). It paid for itself in 12000 miles with petrol at €1.50. Gas prices have dropped in line with petrol, but obviously the savings have dropped proportionally too, so a 75c saving per litre is now more like 60c.

DARK-KNIGHT

stimpson wrote: »

It cost me 1100 from lpgain.ie (based in Finglas). It paid for itself in 12000 miles with petrol at €1.50. Gas prices have dropped in line with petrol, but obviously the savings have dropped proportionally too, so a 75c saving per litre is now more like 60c.

Was looking at it and for a 4mpg drop I think the S80 would be worth it from a safety and comfort side alone

Would you recommend volvo?

stimpson

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

Was looking at it and for a 4mpg drop I think the S80 would be worth it from a safety and comfort side alone

Would you recommend volvo?

I love it. Fast(ish), comfortable, reasonably reliable, safe, good handling. Zero street cred though!

There have been few expenses over the past 2 years beyond normal servicing.

Tips are:
- Get leather - the seats are sublime.
- Check if the PCV breather service has been done (with the engine running and the oil cap off check there is suction by putting your hand over the filler. If there is any outward pressure then walk away.
- If it has locking wheel nuts take them off and bin them replace with standard nuts. They are made of chocolate and if a tyre monkey doesn;t torque them properly they won't come off again. Volvo removed mine by welding a nut on top and there was some alloy damage and a €180 bill. Nightmare.

higster

Have 2008 S80 2.5T...presuming more expensive to run (it is) but gawd I love it. Go for leather as mentioned above, lovely. Street cred is zero but by jaZus when someone gets in it the perceptions change very quickly.

Supergurrier

I would buy a volvo again at some stage for the amazing seats frosty aircon and excellent stereo alone.

I got caught with a pup in the 2007 S60 I had but they are great.

DARK-KNIGHT

Guy said there's a whining in power steering I heard that's very common?

stimpson

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

Guy said there's a whining in power steering I heard that's very common?

Only when I have the kids in the car.

I'd do some research - some problems can be expensive to put right.

skibum

stimpson wrote: »

Only when I have the kids in the car.

Same here, but only when I've had the wife in the car....

Having said that, I would have a S80 in the morning if I had the chance, cool , understated cars

Special Circumstances

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

Guy said there's a whining in power steering I heard that's very common?

Is it hydraulic, electro hydraulic, or pure electric power steering? Early bmw minis had electro hydraulic PS and even on a good day it sounded like a cranky cat. So it is possible for it to be normal but I wouldn't assume it is for the volvo before doing more research.

SilverCoin2100

I'd a manual 2004 S80 with the 2.0T engine which I gave to my father. Great, comfortable and safe car. The only thing that has gone wrong with it in 5 years of ownership is the drivers door window regulator failed. I think it's simply a weak point in the design. I'd highly recommend it. It's a comfy cruiser, not a racing car, but to get the best from its handling abilities buy good tyres. My father put dirt cheap tyres on it and it seriously affected how the car handles.

Incidentally, I now have a BMW 525i running on LPG. Again, I'd highly recommend a conversion especially if you plan on holding onto the car for a few years and do fairly high mileage. While I enjoy the BMW for its handling, it doesn't compare to the comfort of the Volvo. I'll be buying a Volvo next time I'm car shopping! Good luck!