I'm a newcomer to the Volvo scene but I'm in the market for an 850 turbo wagon (or possibly a V70 turbo depending on cost). I've searched all over the internet and can't find the info I need and I'm sure someone here has it all.

Some of my basic questions are:

Is there a site that lists the various options for the 850 trim levels over the years of production?

If there's no site, what are the differences between the GLT, T-5, and T-5R?

What years and trim levels had all-wheel-drive, if any? I've seen some listed that aren't Cross Country models but don't know if these are for real or typos.

I'd like the performance of an 850 T-5R, but don't know if I'd be better off with just a T-5 with aftermarket performance upgrades (like IPD). I'm not concerned with exclusivity, so would I be better off cost-wise "building my own" R model?

How different is the V70 from the 850? Was it just a restyle or is it a total redesign?

Also, how durable/reliable is the turbo? How much does altitude affect it's ability (sea level vs. 7000 ft)? I've heard that to prolong it's life you should let it cool down for about a minute before turning off the car, is that true? Are there other turbo "rules" to follow?

Finally, is there anything I should be looking out for while I shop? Things to make sure to get or avoid?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

s/v/c70 compared to 850. restyled...slight changes. same basic chassis. the following is the same basic chassis

1993: 850 GLT, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft)
1994: 850, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft)
----- 850 Turbo, 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (222 hp, 221 lb-ft, 9.6psi)
1995: 850, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft)
----- 850 GLT, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft), diff in trim and equip.
----- 850 Turbo, 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (222 hp, 221 lb-ft, 9.6 psi)
----- 850 T5-R, 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (240 hp, 221 lb-ft, 10.9 psi, limited edition, upgraded suspension and tire/wheel package, different interior, factory external amp a possibility)
1996: same as 1995 except t5-r.
----- 850 Platinum Edition, 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (222 hp, 221 lb-ft, 9.6 psi), many options standard, only color is pearl white
----- 850 R, 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (240 hp, 221 lb-ft, 10.9 psi, not limited anymore, similar to t5-r except no yellow; euro-spec 850 R manuals had a mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T)
1997: 850, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft)
----- 850 GLT, 2.4L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 197 lb-ft, low psi like 4 or 5)
----- 850 T5 (aka Turbo), 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (222 hp, 221 lb-ft, 9.6psi)
----- 850 R, 2.3L engine, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-15G (240 hp, 221 lb-ft, 10.9 psi; euro-spec 850 R manuals had a mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T)

1998: s/v70, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 glt, v70 xc, v70 awd, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 t-5, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft, bigger turbo)
----- v70 R awd, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 228 lb-ft, s70r not in u.s.; euro-spec R manuals had a mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-18T)
----- *factory introduced option ohlins 8-way adjustable shocks with remote resevior, $1600
----- c70 coupe, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
1999: s/v70, same as 1998
----- s/v70 glt, s/v70 awd, v70 xc, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 t-5, same as 1998
----- v70 R awd, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (247 hp, 243 lb-ft; euro-spec R manuals had a mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-18T)
----- c70 coupe, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 coupe, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
2000: s/v70, 2.4L n/a engine (168hp, torque up from 162 to 170 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 glt, s/v70 awd, v70 xc, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- s70 t-5, same as 1998 (no v70 t5 for model year 2000)
----- v70 R awd, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-18T? (261 hp, 258 lb-ft) *it may have also been the 19T
----- c70 coupe, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 coupe, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
2001: c70 coupe, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
2002: c70 coupe, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 244 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
2003: c70 convertible, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, ? turbocharger ??????-??? (197 hp, 210 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, ? turbocharger ??????-??? (242 hp, 243 lb-ft)



u can visit volvo's ownercircle page to get extensive options list

i'll take a stab at a few of those questions:

any GLTs before 1997 were just Normally Aspired 168hp engines. 1997 GLTs have the low pressure turbo, producing around 190hp.

the T-5 and Turbo are standard turbo models, while the T-5R and R models are upgraded turbo models fully loaded, with extras such as suede seat parts and 17" rims.

so it depends.. if you want the authenticity of a T-5R or R and their associated 17" alloy wheels and a few other goodies.. go for it. otherwise a regular turbo can be just as fast in the end with the right mods

the V70 (wagon) and S70 (sedan) aren't a whole lot different from the 850.. some body differences and a few other changes

as for the turbo question, i don't know.

a few things to be aware of while buying: check to make sure the A/C works, and that there are no ABS lights on. those are some of the main things to go wrong with 850s

I own both an 850 and a V70, drive each regularly, so I can give you some comparisons:

1. Shape: 850 is more "boxy" than the V70. The V70 nose slopes down.

2. Interior: mostly the same, but the V70 is just a bit more refined--"softer".

3. Chassis: this is a tough call, b/c my 850 is a '94 turbowagon, and my V70 is a '98 R AWD, so the suspension is COMPLETELY different on them. But, in general, the V70 tends to have a better ride from my perspective. Not softer, just more predictable, and definitely the chassis was stiffened btw. the two years.

One thing I'll say is that the '94, with 20 less HP, is faster off the line and in general than the V70R AWD.

AFAIK, the 850s didn't have ABS problems, but the V70s have. My 850 *did* have an evaporator problem, cured under warranty.

If you get an 850, or anything that's up there in miles, look closely at the transmission. I just had to fork over $3k to replace the transmission in my '94 at 118kmi last year, despite the fact that I'd changed the transmission fluid more often than volvo recommends.

Good luck!