To be honest, I've only test driven a couple of FWD Volvos before having bought my 850 wagon. They all were doggy slow, and all vibrate at the firewall, a lot.

I drove a 1998 S70 (5 speed!) N/A with 88k miles on it at a dealership in 2003.

I drove a 1998 V70 AWD (auto) with 106k miles on it this summer (2006.)

And finally, I am driving my 1994 850 with 108k miles on it.

Do these things just make a lot more cabin noise and vibration due to having transverse engines that are physically attached at the firewall? I examined mine, and the rubber bushing looks fine up above.

My 960 wagon with 170k miles, one blown out engine mount (from my accident) and one junk yard engine mount on the passenger side runs leaps and bounds smoother than my 850. It also has seemingly much more get up and go.

moreso than I would have thought with the 200 vs 168 hp comparison.....

So I'm just curious if "That's the way things are" when it comes to the 2.4L 850 engine and cars.

I'm totally not used to it yet, because it feels like I'm driving a 4 banger Jetta again, versus my historical Volvo experience.

Inline 6 cylinder engines have always been low vibration. Engineers knew this in the 1920s. It is a function of the geometry. That is why BMW continues to make inline 6ers, but they may be the last holdout. Even Mercedes finally succumbed to the temptation of the V-6 because it is shorter and therefore lets the stylists design a shorter hood. Also, transverse-mounted 6 cyl. engines are always V-6 configuration. The Volvo straight 5 is a remarkably robust design but just can't be as low vibration as a straight 6, so the 850, S70, and V70 need the engine mounts to be in tip-top condition. By the way, a V-12 is even smoother.

I would agree that the 960 straight six is inherently smoother, and a good V-12 even more so, based on having had both. However, I don't believe that the 5 cylinder NA is particularly noisy or heavy on vibrations. Are you feeling it once you get above idle speed? On my 850 NA and turbo, there is minimal vibration above that speed, even compared to our prior 960. I have replaced both torque bushing and "front" engine mount (on right side wheel) - torque bushing can go in as little as 30k, and seldom is ever known to go anywhere 100k. Front mount goes longer, but my first on the turbo was at 70k, and again at 101k due to buying an aftermarket one. Both are actually pretty easy to do, if you are handy. I have never replaced a hydraulic mount on either 850's, V70 or the 960. Note also, the 850's do transmit more noises than the960 or upgraded x70's due to less insulation, etc., just that vibration is not particularly an issue.
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Mike Sullivan '07 XC70, '95 855T (100k), '95 855 NA (148k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k), '91 745 (196k), '93 965 (147k) , '98 V70XC (98k).

Yeah, it mostly vibrates right off of idle when you take off from a stop.

On the highway at 55mph, I'd say the car is pretty similiar in noise to my 960.

I've included a photo of the bushing. I shook them around and they seem to be in decent shape.. There is no tearing of rubber in it.

As I do more preventative maintenance on the car, I will get around to checking the lower mounts and replacing them if needed.

I'll either get gung-ho about the problem with new mounts and dynamat under the carpet, or I'll just get used to it.

Chances are good that all your motor mounts are toast. Chances are excellent the the firewall donut mount is burnt toast. You can't see the wear until it is removed from the holder.

The lower mount under the crank pulley does also need replaceing at around 100k miles but I wouldn't think all three of these cars would have the same problem. You may be just really sensitive to vibration. Was it related to engine speed or vehicle speed? You're right though the non turbo 5 cylinders are really not very quick cars. Very comfortable cruisers once up to speed but you're not going to win any stoplight sprints.

Usually the rear engine mount (the one under the hood above the engine in front of the driver in a round metal housing) goes on these and causes lots of vibration. You can replace the round bushing for a $20 poly mount and the vibration goes away...also never wears out. Check the ones under the hoods of these cars to see if they're ripped.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

I have replaced this one in my 850. I understand it is caused by slaming the car into drive while backing up. Coming to a complete stop before engaging drive will keep the mount alive. It is a PITA to replace, if I had to do it again I would use the poly.

Mine still vibrates at idle. I am going to replace the lower donut mount as per Mr. Norm's suggestion.

I will definitely be doing this once I get familiar with the car. It's one of those weird situations where it vibrates to the point I'm asking myself if I have an exhaust leak, or it's just noise transmitted through the firewall (or both...)

It's a new-to-me car, so I'm just not use to driving it yet. But if there are ways to make it smooth and quiet the vibration noise like the longitudinal 6 cylinder, I'm all ears. The front, rubber bushing in that torque rod (engine side) looks fine. The pivoting metal one on the firewall side, I have no idea. But it'd be nice to have something softer in there to quell the shakes.