Volvo S60 R: M3 Destroyer or Blandness Deployer?

[@5cylMatt]

This video is actually really entertaining. Very well edited too. I really enjoyed it! Gave me top gear vibes haha. Good job!

[@atkpirate7831]

Henry is great.

[@B58luja23]

Truly

[@WalkToPoland]

My 1.8t mk4 burned crayon smelling jetta taught me the value of a nice luxury interior of a volvo during the cold winter. Can't underestimate the value the volvo cars actually are worth. Definitely a keeper.

[@dsrocks6905]

I love this, but I will say that one of the things that makes this car so amazing is that it's so easy to get rid of the performance issues should you wish. Drop $700 on some stiff track anti-swaybars and another $400 on a tune and head shims, you'll get an easy 350 wheel with almost no body roll while not compromising on comfort. Why doesn't it come like that from factory? The turning radius is already abysmal, and as someone with both of those things fitted, well, let's just say it's easier to park a 2007 Honda Odyssey blind. At speed however, with fresh poly bushings and suspension that's all in good shape, you won't even run into the mushy steering that you mentioned. The problem is that after 18 years, the aforementioned bushings that are rubber from factory will be worn and everything will feel loose and mushy. However once you update all of that, you'll begin to understand what they were really on about.

[@themike97_58]

turning radius is abysmal, and i made mine worse by putting wider wheels on lol. those ipd sway bars are the real deal tho. really transformed how the car feels.

[@Noh1996]

I know this comment is old but so true! I own s40 charisma with bigger wheels than the standard, and the moment i need to park the car, I felt like an old lady all of the sudden. Which is quite embarrassing especially when there's someone has to wait for you to park it properly 😅. But not on my japanese car, just 1 take and boom!

[@rayaspo4893]

Proud owner of a 2004 V70R with the glorious engine growl. I love the faces of the unsuspecting. Grace pace and space.

[@leavingthevalley5175]

bro, not even half way through this video and i decided ima keep mine. been thinking of selling because i got her for a steal at 2500 but i realize now i will not be able to have a car of this class at that price again, well done

[@danielerickson4893]

Absolutely keep it! If you don't know, FCP Euro is a store that sells parts with a free lifetime replacement guarantee and almost everything, so after you buy something from them, you can get a new one from them, send back your old one (as long as it's from them) and get refunded for it. It life with a European car a bit easier, lol

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@danielerickson4893 Sometimes it costs as much to send the old part back to them than it does just to buy the new replacement part yourself. And be sure not to lose the original receipt!

[@robertmann7551]

I really enjoyed this in-depth and entertaining view of this common car. Never think about Volvo, even when I owned one.

[@dsrocks6905]

There is nothing common about the S60R. It was a limited run that totaled in 10,000 cars built, with a substantially smaller amount on the road today

[@mar0239]

This car isnt common at all

[@johno9507]

1:20 The S60R can only send 50% of available torque to the rear wheels, not 95%. In normal cruise conditions 95% of torque is sent to the front wheels.

[@JElledge37]

Ive had my 2004 S60R since 2005 and still Love it!

[@sachimuify]

I absolutely loved your foggy day Clarkson inspired edit. Flawless work!

[@HenrywithCars]

Thanks!

[@grgr6720]

Quality script, editing and final result. This channel deserves more subs. Well done!

[@ihatedjinc]

Actually really entertaining & funny. Good job with the edited too. I really enjoyed it! Good job! S60R love

[@zjemcikapcie1914]

I'm still surprised that your video has only 5.2k views. It was really entertaining and felt like "Am I still watching YT or TV car show"? Outstanding job mate. I'm wating for more. And I agree. S60R was made in complete different mentality than other sporty sedan's like mentioned M3 or Audi S4. This is why I love these cars (I'm owner of normal S60 2.5T AWD AT). For now and I think couple of years, I'm not going to buy anything else.

[@TheLittleDinka]

Happily enjoyed this video from the comfort of my S60 R's indulgent seats

[@HenrywithCars]

Hahaha

[@jrmoto8269]

This is amazing, such an small channel with this much quailty! Definitely will be subscribing. Love the S60R, thinking of upgrading to it from my 2,5T :)

[@atkpirate7831]

Another killer video Henry. Keep these up.

[@HenrywithCars]

Thank you for your support!

[@noahkang2417]

After owning one, this video explains it perfectly. It may not be an M3 or RS4, but it’s the perfect daily driver. The ride is soft enough not to shake your kidneys out and that makes it perfect for those road trips where the fun roads occasionally come. I highly recommend buying one.

[@VikingPontus]

This is giving me Top Gear vibes and I'm not disappointed :D Love Volvo!

[@pablitooo6151]

Thanks for this cool edit and review, Henry. Very entertaining.

[@fullraph]

I had one for years. Not bland at all but not an M3 destroyer at all either. It did very very well in snow!

[@turbojay1616]

Great review, i own the s60 2004 2.0T 180pk love it manual gearbox 18 years old still drives like a brand New car 229xxxkm

[@lukem9962]

i have an 01 2.0t they respond well to a decent remap plus parts to get it to 300 hp territory are surprisingly cheap

[@TekkenBones]

Volvo's gasoline engine range for the S60 is listed below. All of these engine are VERY reliable, but the 2.4-litre high pressure turbo (260bhp) is the absolute best engine to go for, because it has less lag than the 2.3 engine, but still retains the thicker cylinder walls of the 2.3 engine, whereas the 2.5 "R" engine is bored out, and can crack a liner if tuned. 2.0-litre 5 cylinder low pressure turbo with 180bhp 2.3-litre 5 cylinder high pressure turbo with 250bhp (aka pre-2005 "T5") 2.4-litre 5-cylinder N/A with 140bhp (software restricted) 2.4-litre 5 cylinder N/A with 170bhp (software de-restricted) 2.4-litre 5 cylinder low pressure turbo with 200bhp 2.4-litre 5 cylinder high pressure turbo with 260bhp (aka post-2005 "T5") 2.5-litre 5 cylinder low pressure turbo with 210bhp 2.5-litre 5 cylinder low pressure turbo with 300bhp (aka "S60R")

[@kylerpowney9771]

if your in for mods tho the 2.3L rn motors in teh s60t5s are by far the way to go they arent really any laggier but the cylinder walls are significantly less prone to cracking however after the 400hp mark finding upgraded rods becomes harder due to their different length compared to the s60r motors

[@user-ue6iv2rd1n]

@@kylerpowney9771 the 2.4 is actually the best of them

[@thatsentertainment5602]

I have a stock 2006 Volvo S60 2.4 litre non turbo. Do you recommend a Stage 2 or 3 BSR engine tune to get more horsepower performance?

[@FitazeGaming]

masterful delivery good sir. the vibe is very similar to old school top gear. good stuff, keep up the great work.

[@delcorick9967]

Seriously nice car! I remember when I 1st saw the R and always liked how different it was while being suttle, nice video!

[@jonathanreyes3832]

Love the quality of the video , I’m getting old Top Gear vibes from it

[@danielerickson4893]

5:00 There is diamond stitched alcantara in my V70R! The first generation/P80/classic (98-2000) had them. It's not super nice alcantara, at least with the wear mine has, but hey

[@rex_s80]

The sport interior for the old s80 also had the option of suede. My beige interior had it but not diamond stitched.

[@mkkoper]

The must have upgrade for this car are aftermarket (like IPD made) swaybars. They change the car so much you think you are in a different platform. In short: handling is fastest and more precise, but most importantly the car no longer understeers. It’s more neutral with oversteer bias. Simply said: the front gors where you want. On a downside - noticably compromised comfort

[@gagesstuff5946]

I don't think I've ever heard a funnier description of these older active suspension systems than "Steven Hawking struts"

[@Epson5000]

the filming reminds me of old Top Gear and I absolutely love it.

[@wobllle6526]

Such a Top Gear vibe to this video. Really well done.

[@ananthkutuva3748]

Wow this video is edited so good, with a nice VO too, I'm looking into this as my first car!

[@crogdis2217]

this has a lot of early top gear energy, love it!

[@bren.nan_]

i'm getting one of these tomorrow, so excited!

[@bren.nan_]

two-year update: its had its fair share of problems but I adore this car. id buy one new if I had the chance.

[@zane.r2001]

Watched this video before buying my 04 s60R. Such a cool car. I put an exhuast on it and it sounds pretty good

[@LazyCatAnims]

Wow, this video is fantastic! Such a small channel but such high quality! Subbed!

[@solow970]

When I went from a 235/40/18 to 245/40/18's the handling and feed back got better.

[@NOV3LIST]

What about the turning radius? Did it get worse? :D

[@solow970]

@@NOV3LIST it's about the same as stock I'm running 18x8.5 wheel and 245/40/18's I get rub at full lock

[@NOV3LIST]

@@solow970 Do you have the steering limiter installed?

[@solow970]

@@NOV3LIST I do

[@mustafaaktas2552]

Such a brilliant video!

[@boldizsarszaday5676]

highly underrated

[@jerichothetech1065]

i picked up a flash green over gobi with 119k a few months ago. these cars definitely have some quirks (like the turning radius) but its an incredibly comfortable, reliable and fast daily driver. volvo states theyve only had 3 deaths since like 2000? i think. for sure its not winning any car shows and when you pull up to the meet no one knows why you brought your strangely colored grandma car. but point out the factory brembos and theyll start to understand. i love these cars

[@gladstoneriley9204]

GREAT VIDEO! I'm thinking about buying one so I needed the criticism

[@fvgamechanger]

Great video

[@bartsimpson2324]

brilliant video

[@robertoautore9252]

Great automobile, a beast, Volvo for life.

[@4RingsRetro]

Please do more, really good stuff!😂

[@DaCurlyFella]

Still a great car. Drop $1000 into it and most of the problems you mentioned are fixed. Not to mention, it doesn't take much to make these things compete with stock M3s.

[@MrKngdali]

Amazing video. Keep content coming

[@HenrywithCars]

Will do

[@5yearshed]

How has this only got 1k likes it's criminal

[@MrX-wd8cm]

I think it looks really nice

[@karlbenz4925]

You are a funny interesting car tester. Would love to see more coming...... On ya mate ✌

[@HenrywithCars]

Thanks mate! More are indeed coming

[@paracidicapple]

The cinematography!! Really recreated the BBC top gear vibes.

[@mehdijafri8424]

Your channel is awesome!!

[@HenrywithCars]

Thank you!!

[@kernelfunguy6568]

My dads v70r got mistaken for a Ferrari once, on the bus ride home a kid stood up and called it a Ferrari all excited lmao

[@HenrywithCars]

Get that kid some glasses!

[@kernelfunguy6568]

@@HenrywithCars right?! Lmao to be fair the kid was 5-6 years old, just seen a nice car and associated “nice” with “Ferrari” lmao

[@granlund636]

Did it have the "prancing moose" stickers on the fenders? That would confuse a 5-6 year old.

[@ertgery9084]

Love this car didnt knew that it can give up to 95% of torque to the rear axle my own is fwd v70 t5 massive wagon that can be kinda fast

[@bryant2919]

You have nailed it, a pepper 60 series that isn’t trying to be a “boy racer”. It has taste 👍🏼

[@filiphudak9706]

Bro thinks he is top gear

[@HhhGggg-rz7bu]

He put all this effort into a video and you joke about it?

[@rex_s80]

I did notice that p2 springs do actually get very mushy and weak with age. So it maybe worth replacing the springs with some from lesjofors.

[@melodiquest]

0:04 OMFG lol this is so quality dude can you just be big on YT 😭

[@HenrywithCars]

Maybe someday *sigh*

[@antlobos4604]

I have an s60r as well and it’s got the same dent in the hood

[@HenrywithCars]

Ha!

[@francorb1536]

same hahah

[@MementoMori-xx5qo]

In their defence 2:52 they’re right. The vast majority of people that turn traction control off in public roads have no idea what they’re doing and risk under steering into another car or a wall

[@HenrywithCars]

You have a point there

[@liamholcroft7212]

This video feels like an old school top gear review.

[@adamdrives365]

I miss my modded 05 SR. Its a car thats very capable through mid to long sweepers but can't keep up on a tight course. Definitely an excellent GT, not a track car.

[@bubert8955]

very top gear, very nice

[@markeezygarage]

MONEY PIT I HAVE HAD TWO

[@cryptochii313]

commentating was 10/10

[@Jack-qs9zo]

Bro did you work for top gear? Its literally so similar and I love it.

[@joeminoso1554]

Like the ending 😂😂, very nice

[@iShredStreets]

Beautiful!

[@travisstankowski7495]

I'm going to buy one instead of an Evo. Thanks for the video.

[@GoodGains90]

I got a 2006 s60 t5 m66. It got totaled. But engine and trany are A1. I want to swap it into another car but I dont want a s60r or something heavy like that. Do you have any idea what would be best?

[@gagesstuff5946]

Very good video overall, but I feel like the music is a little too loud at times and makes it hard to fully understand what you're saying

[@hanscnilsson7136]

Have it with the same interior called Black Beast 🤩

[@Ari--d]

love my R

[@patrickmadden6340]

You actually push the traction control 3 times but it’ll spin all 4 then. Push it once and it’ll spin just the fronts

[@KolyanKolyanitch]

And now I know why S60R costs twice as much as a year ago.

[@fleurbird]

Wow, great video. I have the 2.4 without a Turbo. Great car nevertheless.

[@juanmanuelespinoza5881]

Tengo un s60r 2005 y es hermoso manejarlo saludos desde mexico...

[@michaels.8244]

Does this R come as an automatic?

[@jamiesmith6838]

Excellenté👍

[@ggmgoodgamingmichael7706]

Impressive

[@the_bmx_tim2815]

This R is the same color as my 2005 S60 2.5t 😎

[@diesolit]

That wasa good video 👻💪🏽

[@themike97_58]

"when one thinks for speed many images come to mind" *shows challenger explosion* ah yes exactly what I think of

[@Adassity]

Don’t forget that the 5 cyl Turbos are extremely tuneable. Easily 400-500hp (block swap to 4T5)

[@bren.nan_]

Be careful though, overtuning the 2.5t block will lead to cylinder wall cracks

[@Adassity]

@@bren.nan_ as I wrote, 4T5 is what you should be using for higher power output. My mistake was typing 2.5L and not 5 cyl

[@ALittleBitOfGay]

But if you want to make power you should just buy a T5 trim. Everything in the R is far too fragile for any more power than stock. Even at stock power you blow up center diffs and crack blocks :/ the FWD T5 is honestly a better choice for that IMO

[@Adassity]

@@ALittleBitOfGay hence why I wrote block swap to 4T5 (B5244T5 = 4T5)

[@ALittleBitOfGay]

@@Adassity tbh, I’m pretty sure I posted that at like 4AM and I was pass out tired. Though even still, that doesn’t solve the AWD problem. Rs are much more expensive than T5s, And if the biggest draw over a T5 in my mind (the AWD) breaks as soon as you look at it wrong, it doesn’t seem worth it to me. Even if you wanted the look and other aspects, it’d still be cheaper to buy a decent T5 and a clapped R, and swap over the bumpers, interior, Brembos, etc.. and then all that leaves on the table is 4C, which is fragile and doesn’t work well at best. Don’t get me wrong, I owned an S60R for six months and it is easily my second favorite car I’ve ever owned, but it is not a good car to push past its limits.

[@MB1Billion]

It has Magnetic Dampers?

[@bhkeener]

I loved the video. That model looks like a 2004 with the black molding. I bought a 2005 model (in 2005) in grey with the blue interior. And of course with the “spaceball” 6sp manual. I always liked the Volvo when it came out, but at the time I wanted an S4. Back then the S4 was the shit. It was the car to have and was the antithesis of a M3. I also lived in snow hell Iowa at the time, so AWD was key. I was trading in my 6sp Audi TT (225hp version) and thought my Iowa dealer would help me get into an S4. Uhhh no. I’m going from memory, but the dealer wanted a full 54K for a 2005 model (And holy shit my Model Y performance I picked up last week was $55k all in lol). And to piss on my foot the dealer offered me garbage for a car I bought from them 2.5 years earlier. Fast forward, got a fair deal deal done for my S60R. I loved it. Yes the I5 sounded like an angry cheese grater but I loved it. 6 speed was great, clutch was super long with a sharp bite. Took some finesse. But unlike the a4/s4, (and my new Y) you didn’t see many of them. And because of the 18” wheels and Brembos all around it just looked special. I sold mine in 2010 when it became a pain to get two car seat kiddos in and out of the back seat. Moved to a 2010 Range Rover Sport that definitely helped me get over the Volvo. I cherished the R great memories. And your video just brought them all back. Thank you.

[@Drake-ef1mg]

This generation of V70, S60 and S80 (all same platform) share a common trait of the classic Swedish engineering style. Not loud like the americans and not perfectly machined to go as fast as possible either like the Japanese. Slightly gimmicky but for the most part just enough for daily life

[@danielerickson4893]

Do you not think that the first generation, P80 platform, is like that as well? I have a 2000 V70R and when most people talk about the S60's and V70's they talk about the second generation (makes sense, but I feel left out sometimes lol)

[@Drake-ef1mg]

@@danielerickson4893 What can I say? it's a less advanced gen 2 which is both nice and not nice at the same time

[@TheyCallMeGarry]

I love my S60R this video was dope

[@marknelson5929]

Love the very final comment 'Fuck Off' These cars are real sleepers, buy a nice one with importantly excellent service history and you'll have a real Q-Ship.

[@cThickens]

I put mine on coilovers and it definitely feels much more race car with very little body roll and turns harder than any car I’ve driven, I haven’t tested it against a car with the original suspension, so if anyone is in the comments has a 350ish hp s60r with the original suspension in Virginia hmu

[@OnShouldersOfGiants]

I have the sway bars and coilovers. The combination of the two makes for too shitty of a ride quality. I'm working on converting back to standard suspension. I think the sway bars are a must have but coilovers just make the car crappy to drive unless you have a smooth road. Mines a V70R though, so maybe the S60 is a bit better since it has a shorter wheel base.

[@Vic-E.]

After 20 years it's not so unusual that a suspension feels "mushy"... probably a fair bit of rubber mountings had worn out...

[@HenrywithCars]

Fair point

[@list3ningcalmly796]

@@HenrywithCars Drive mine, then talk :P

[@rex_s80]

Yeah my s80 is 23 years old now. I replaced springs and some bushings and it completely changed how the car feels. It’s not on lowering springs either. It’s still a bit mushy since it’s a heavy sedan with comfort shocks. But man does it feel confident.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

The only cars Volvo has made in the last 30 years that even approach German-"destroyer" status were the multi-link RWD cars of the late 90's. 960/S90/V90. And those didn't have much power. The S60R is ultimately just another FWD compromise, no matter how you tune it.

[@mellymel7850]

They said faster than a Ferrari… what Ferrari?! Oh that Ferrari

[@Boostlovr]

Cup holder not in your way of shifting is bullshit unless I’m just too tall lol it’s fucking annoying tho

[@АртемПолежаев-ь5ь]

Болезнь передних стоек)

[@bobjohnson1587]

When people make fun of my Volvo I tell them that all the time! 😄

[@ivanzgarage]

Video motive: generate some hype so i can finally sell my s60r for more than 1500$ 😂😂😂

[@worldhello1234]

@2:11 Rather, excessive understeering. @2:18 "Safety" that doesn't respect the driver's choice is infantilizing him.

[@VC301000]

I like this car, she is still sexy. Especially manual gear box

[@emisariodesabiduria3229]

Zero to 60 is 5.4 seconds not 5.7. 2004 Subaru STI did 4.7 seconds because they dumped the clutch at 4000 rpm and that is dangerous for the engine, transmission and clutch. Volvo did 5.4 seconds just normal without dumping the clutch and the fastest mid range punch Volvo 60-120 mph is the 1997 1998 Volvo C70 T5. it did 6.2 seconds to 60mph cause of FWD but it completed the 1/4 mile as fast as the STI and S60R because on 3rd gear they were very fast like a 911 Turbo and much faster than a Saab 9000 Aero 50-75 mph 60-120 mph. They were insane. Magazine said it was 50-75 faster than a Ferrari Testarossa. We are sure the 97 C70 T5 was faster 60-100 60 to 120 mph than a 2004 Subaru STI and 2004 2007 S60R. Hard to believe it was faster than a Saab 9000 Aero. Knowing that 9000 Aero had more punch 50-70 mph than a Lambo Diablo and Porsche 928 GTS Autocar Magazine UK. if the 97 C70 T5 was faster than Saab 9000 Aero. Now we know the C70 T5 was a car from Hell. The new ones C70 T5 are slow. The old one had Racing performance stated like 300 of torque maybe more than that and more horsepower than stated because the 9000 Aero had 280 of torque and this C70 was faster and had Racing components. Not like the slow new ones.

[@izyfication]

Befor being a sport car Volvo is first all about security that’s why you need to push 5 Times the DCS button to turn it off , nothing spécial here😉

[@alexanderharris1980]

Left leaning family…. But the symbol literally stands for rolling strength