Volvo
S70
Owner report available
Volvo
S80
Owner report available
Volvo S70 vs Volvo S80
The short answer
Based on available data, the Volvo S80 comes out ahead of the Volvo S70 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
S70
Overall
The sentiment among long-term owners is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection and high praise for the vehicle's durability, safety, and driving character. The S70 is consistently described as a "tank," "bulletproof," and "unkillable," with numerous reports of high mileage (400,000+ km / 250,000+ miles) achieved with proper maintenance. Owners appreciate its comfortable ride, solid build quality, straightforward mechanics for DIY repairs, and the distinctive sound and performance of the turbocharged T5 models.
Best version to buy
The S70 T5 model, particularly with a manual transmission, is the most sought-after and recommended version. Owners praise its 240 hp turbocharged 5-cylinder engine for strong straight-line performance, an enjoyable exhaust note, and a robust design capable of high mileage and tuning.
Known issues
- Age-related rubber component failure: including coolant hoses, vacuum lines, motor mounts, suspension bushings, and door seals. Frequency: very frequent.
- PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging: causes oil leaks and crankcase pressure if not serviced. Frequency: very frequent.
- ABS module failure: causes intermittent or permanent ABS warning light. Frequency: very frequent.
S80
Overall
Sentiment is divided by generation and is heavily dependent on maintenance history and specific powertrain. For the first-generation S80 (P2 platform, ~1998-2006), owner feedback is largely negative regarding reliability, with the twin-turbo T6 model and its automatic transmission singled out as particularly problematic and expensive. These early models are described as comfortable, smooth-riding, and safe, but are characterized as high-maintenance vehicles that become financially burdensome once issues begin.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. However, strong warnings are given against specific configurations: the first-generation (P2) T6 with its automatic transmission is widely advised against due to poor reliability.
Known issues
- **First Generation (P2, ~1998-2006):** * Automatic transmission failure (especially on T6 models): Very frequent. * General high cost of repairs and maintenance: Very frequent. * PCV system clogging: Recurrent.
- **Second Generation (P3, 2007-2016):** * High maintenance and repair costs: Very frequent. * Oil consumption (3.2L engine): Recurrent. * Transmission fluid neglect leading to potential issues: Recurrent.
The verdict
The Volvo S80 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Volvo S70, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Volvo S70 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Volvo S70 or the Volvo S80?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Volvo S70 and the Volvo S80. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Volvo S70 or the Volvo S80?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Volvo S70 or the Volvo S80?
The EPA rates the 2000 Volvo S70 at 19–22 mpg combined and the 2016 Volvo S80 at 29 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Volvo S70 or the Volvo S80?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Volvo S80 than the Volvo S70. See the known issues comparison above.