Volvo offers two different trim levels for the 2005 V50. The standard model is called the V50 2.4i while the up level version is known as the V50 T5, which gets more power and a handful of equipment upgrades. Under the hood of the V50 2.4i is a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder engine making 166 lb.-ft. of torque while burning premium-unleaded fuel. This engine is connected to a Geartronic five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with manual gear selection that drives power to the front wheels, accelerating the V50 2.4i to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, according to Volvo. Fuel economy rates 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Volvo V50 T5 models get a big horsepower bump, thanks to a turbocharged, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that requires premium fuel. The blown motor sends 218 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed manual or a five-speed manually interactive automatic transmission to the front wheels or all four wheels. Torque peaks across a broad rev range between 1,500 rpm and 4,800 rpm, meaning that the V50 T5 storms out of the gates and doesn't lose steam. Restrained use of the throttle results in 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, while the automatic returns 21 city and 30 highway. All-wheel-drive is available only on the V50 T5 model, and uses an electronically controlled Haldex system to distribute power. Under normal driving conditions, power flows to the front wheels. When the front wheels slip, as much as 95 percent of the power can be transferred to the rear wheels. If only one wheel has grip, either front or rear, Volvo's AWD system can move the majority of the engine power to that single wheel to gain maximum traction. AWD takes a toll on fuel economy, dropping the rating to 19 mpg in the city regardless of transmission choice. Manually shifted models can get 27 on the highway, while automatics score 26 on the highway. Volvo equips every V50 with the same four-wheel-disc braking system that includes ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA). Electronic Brake Assistance can recognize when a driver performs a panic stop, fully engaging the braking system before the driver can mash the pedal to the floor. Electro-hydraulic steering is calibrated to increase effort at higher vehicle speeds, and the V50 rides on a suspension comprised of MacPherson struts in front, a multi-link setup at the rear, and stabilizer bars at both ends. A Dynamic Sport Suspension is optional on the V50 2.4i and T5, and comes standard on the T5 AWD. Stiffer springs and reduced ground clearance help models with the Dynamic Sport Suspension grip the road with greater tenacity. Standard equipment includes the usual list of features, though it's important to note that the V50 2.4i does not include a trip computer, power driver's seat, or automatic climate control. Those items are optional on the 2.4i, but standard on the V50 T5. Other goodies that come on the T5 include a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, a leather-wrapped shift knob, aluminum interior trim, and stereo controls on the steering wheel. Every 2005 Volvo V50 also includes the first four scheduled maintenance stops for free, as long as they're made within three years or 36,000 miles of purchase. Key options on all V50 models include rain-sensing wipers, a DVD navigation system, heated front seats, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, and a 445-watt, 12-speaker premium sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound.
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