V70/T5 Geartronic - 2004

I have a 2004 V70 2.5T with sports package (Amalthea wheels, geartronic, special steering gear, et cet). The car has a 2.5 liter engine with lower turbo pressure than the 2.3 T5. I drove both before buying and suggest you do also if possible. The 2.5T has a lot of torque and lower peak horsepower than T5. They both handle the same. They both scat like a scalded cat if you press down on the accl. They will both spin the wheels from start if you apply too much pedal. They both have the same chassis settings. The T5 is an idea slightly past its prime. When it came out the difference between normal turbo and T5 was great. Normal turbo has moved up and T5 has not. Both are great cars but I liked the acceleration on the 2.5T better for normal or hot street use. On the track (not likely) the 2.5T off the line but the T5 will win the race because it can go faster - if you disable the governor (not a good idea). If you want to gamble you can boost the turbo pressure of the

2.5T to that of the T5 and the 2.5 will win the race easily.

The geartronic transmission works as advertised. You do paddle shifts or in auto it shifts for you. It adjusts the shift points to what it remembers about your driving style. It starts out hot but if you drive conservatively it adapts and sets the shift points for lower revs. It continuously programs its shift points based on you most recent driving style. I've found no vices. It will let you blow the engine up if you choose to do so in manual mode.

2.5T with sports and premium packages is what you want to look for. T5 is OK too but offers only a little more (and a little less in several ways). Both cars are good. Drive them both.

Bill

We have a 2002 V70 T5 with Geartronic. Works fine for us. Quiet, smooth, adaptable. Have not noticed any turbo lag.