There have been several independent dyno tests performed on the 230 in Sweden. They all indicate that the hp rating is accurate.

Volvo, as many other facturers, used the SAE standard (measuring without alternator, fan etc) in the 60´s. The DIN standard, including these things, is relatively fair but doesn´t include the transmission power loss (about 10% with a manual and 15-20% with auto). For an example, a single carb 1965 B18A produced 75 hp SAE but 68 hp DIN. The B30E was 175 hp SAE but 160 hp DIN, etc, etc. The DIN standard has been used since the 70´s and nothing indicates that Volvo hp ratings should be more fictional than other´s.

The first 850´s in 1992, however, wasn´t really up to the 170 hp rating - those engines produced something around 160 hp but after modifications to the exhaust and ignition systems these cars were up to spec in 1993-94.

When it comes to acceleration figures, hp is one factor but torque, gear ratios, engine/trans mounts and suspension are important too. Aerodynamics won´t be a that big aspect in speeds below 60 mph. But reaching the optimistic Volvo figures will be hard or impossible - it seems like only BMW and Porsche are reliable in that aspect.

/Martin