Volvo S70
The ultimate sleeper: Scandinavian safety meets high-pressure turbo performance.
- Power
- 240 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.4 s
- Top speed
- 152 mph
- Est. value
- $2k–$13k
About the Volvo S70
The Volvo S70 T5 was the high-performance evolution of the 850, refining the 'flying brick' aesthetic with more rounded lines and a significantly upgraded interior. Powered by the charismatic B5234T3 high-pressure turbo five-cylinder engine, it delivered surprising pace that could humble contemporary sports cars while maintaining Volvo's legendary safety standards. As a P80-platform car, it is prized by collectors for its robust build quality and the raw, mechanical feel of its front-wheel-drive chassis. While the S70 R offered more prestige, the T5 remains the definitive sleeper of the late 1990s.
Volvo S70 specs
The Volvo S70 produces 240 bhp (179 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h).
| Make | Volvo |
|---|---|
| Model | S70 |
| Trim | 2.3 T5 |
| Years | 1997–2000 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Sweden |
| Original price | About $34,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.3-litre turbocharged inline-five |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,319 cc (2.3 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 240 bhp (179 kW) at 5,100 rpm |
| Torque | 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.4 s |
| Top speed | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,392 kg (3,069 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 172 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Volvo S70 worth?
A typical Volvo S70 is estimated to be worth $1,500 – $13,000 (about £1,100 – £9,500).
Its original price when new was about $34,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Volvo S70 rarity in CarSpot
The Volvo S70 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 10 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volvo S70 fun facts
- Volvo claimed to have made over 1,800 changes when evolving the 850 into the S70, including a completely redesigned dashboard and interior.
- The 1998 T5 manual is particularly rare in the United States, with only 363 units reportedly imported for that model year.
- The S70 T5's engine features a high-pressure turbocharger, distinguishing it from the 'GLT' models which used a low-pressure setup for smoother delivery.
