Is the engine the same? What about the suspension? Anything else?

They both have the same engine, meaning the 5-pot with the high pressure turbo.

During various model years, the "R" models had slight;y different e;ectronic set-up whereas under full throttle the HP was enhanced over that of the T5.

In MYs 1998 and 1999, the R came with AWD which gave some people the opportunity to, essentially, have a T5 w/ AWD. The R models enjoyed other 'special" features such as unique alloys, kick ass stereo system, suede seats, etc.

In MY2000 the R had a unique setup with dual pipes (cat back) and 261HP, whereas the 2000 V70 T5 had 236 HP.

Yannis

Any Idea what the widest tires are that you can put on the V70 R AWD? I have a 200 that I've been brining to the track and it could use a little more grip over the OE 205/55's.

I would not "play" w/ other sizes, as you will have to be exact with your calculations (due to the AWD peculiarities) and (I think) a 225 tire, may rub against the fenders...

Yannis

You've got a MY `01 T5(M) on order?!!!

cool.

When's the next AWD R or AWD with high pressure engine with manual tranny coming out? Any idea?

Hi Adam,

yes, I had the chance to sell my car for more than what I bought it for; believe me, it was not easy...for the 10-month period that I owned the R I kinda felt pretty attached to it despite the fact that it was Black (pain in the butt color) and I always had my heart in manual cars. I felt kind of sad to let it go. Actually, I was going to buy a 2000 R but that did nto pan out so my next...logical choice was a V70 T5 M!

Can't wait till it gets here, I am really anxious and I have never owned a RED (bright RED!) car! I am going to install a rear spoiler (to begin with) and a steel dog gate so that my Doberman does not lick to death my baby!

The next V70 R should be around in about a year (not 100% done deal yet but I think they will). It will not have manual, it will come with Geartronic. The only manual AWD that we will see in the near future, will be the S60 R.

Yannis

P.S. Do you use snows for your car?

I put four Gislaved snows on my V70R, and I'm really glad I did. I live in the Hudson Valley, and have had about three experiences this winter when the snows have been really welcome. I'll be glad to get them off on April 1 and put my alloy wheels back on, but in the meantime, they're earning their keep..... By the way: the stock tires on my car are Michelin XGT V4s. When they wear out, I'd like to replace them with something that will get more mileage. What do you know about the Michelin Pilot performance/touring tires?

My V70R AWD came with the Michelin Pilot HX. To my surprise they lasted for over 36K miles. I am just now replacing them, even though they do not really need it. I have another 5K left in them. I just ordered a set of Dunlop SP 9000 from the Tire Rack. They were only $115 each for the 205/55/16 ZR and supposedly have a better wear rating.

Yannis,

I decided not to run snows on my Volvo. I do put 4 snows on my wife's Mercedes and have been driving that car during the day or two right after the snow falls (like TODAY) and the roads are bad.

I bought Pirelli P7000SS's. They do a respectable job in snow and are fantastic in the rain. I hate giving up everyday performance and looks (steel wheels) for the occasional snow storm. I live in the Metro NYC area, so snow isn't as much an issue as it is upstate.

Why do you ask, do you have an extra set of snows or just curious as to what I'm running?

Adam

PS MAN! Those snows on my wife's RWD car make a HUGE difference. I'm a believer. Now I know how my friend with his XC and 4 snows is able to climb trees in the winter!!!