Volvo S60 1.6 Petrol

[padmiester]

Hi, I'm looking into to changing my car and have seen a Volvo S60 T3 1.6 Petrol. According to all the figures and outfit matching websites it is a plausible match (a little over the recommended 85% at 88%) with my caravan which is a Sprite Major 4 1338kgs. The Volvo has a towing capacity of 1600kg with 150bhp and 177lbs/ft of torque. Currently I tow with a 320d BMW Touring which tows well but I am just a bit unsure as to what a 1.6 would perform like?? Any advice would be great

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi,
On the face of it the Volvo has all the necessary weights and power/torque to be a fair match for the caravan. What you will find is the BMW being a diesel has a comparatively relaxing towing nature, but the petrol engine will almost certainly feel as though its being worked harder at higher revs to make the same sort of progress. Nothing wrong with that its just a question of feel. It will almost certainly need more gear changes.

As long as your happy with 'working harder' then I'm sure both cars are perfectly good.

Do bear in mind that good towing is not simply about weight ratios, it got more to do with proper maintenance, proper loading and driver habits.

 

[Hutchy]

Hi padmiester
I am also considering the Volvo S60 Petrol as a tow car.
My present car is a VW 2.0 TD 140bhp and fair romps along with a van of similar weight to yours.

Having been a diesel driver for over 23 years I am a little unsure about the petrol option especially dropping to 1.6 litre but the power output seems fine.

Taking on board the professors comments about having to work harder (I remember with frustration my days of towing with petrols in the 1980's and 1990's) I am still tempted.

Did you buy one and if so how did yo get on with it?
Has anybody else any experience of this engine?

Comments gratefully received.
Thanks
Hutchy

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Hi padmiester
I am also considering the Volvo S60 Petrol as a tow car.
My present car is a VW 2.0 TD 140bhp and fair romps along with a van of similar weight to yours.

I haven't seen padmiester on the forum since he/she originally posted 18 months ago, so they may not reply to you.

 

[Raywood]

I have towed with petrol cars before and never had a problem. Having changed to a diesel I did find the lower down torque of a diesel made setting off particularly on hills far easier and the diesel is certainly more flexible and less tiring on long runs. It may depend on just how much towing you do, if your mileage is relatively low, then the petrol engine should be fine, but if you are doing long distances say on the continent then a diesel would be better.
Basically you need more revs to get going and need to change gear more when cruising and you will probably use a bit more fuel.
The power and weight figures you quote add up well and if the car is the one you want then it should not be a problem provided you appreciate the minor points above.