Sounds like you are not tired of your 1992 745 yet. So, keep it. How many days are there with packed snow/ice. Cleveland uses a lot of salt, just like the Twin Cities. RWD just means driving smarter. FWD will not get you there any sooner or stop you any faster on public roads.
My 854T is fast and fun, but is much harder to maintain than my old(er) 245. Because my 854t has 222 BHP, it can get very squirrely in the snow/ice even with dedicated snow tires. I suggest getting a "fun" car that is built to go around corners, something you have always wished for. It can still commute when your 745 doesn't feel like it.
Have fun, life is short...
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95 850, 88 245

It is not clear to me weither or not you use 4 GOOD snows on your RWD. If you do not, you should try them, studded if possible.

If the RWD handles passably in the winter, I suggest you get a Volvo FWD turbo sedan for fun, an R model if you can find one. Keep the RWD for 100,000 miles more or so.

It would be faster, more comfortable (AC & heater work faster), better balanced, quieter and more economical than a FWD wagon.
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96 855R, 95 855,854, 90 744 Ti - 340,000 Volvo miles put on 7 bricks

Your in a tough spot as far as decisions go. The FWD's are obviously more efficient in snow, and they are more fun to drive for many of us (not everyone agrees, however). They are somewhat more maintenance prone due to tight packaging and somewhat due to less durability of some components. However, many of the FWD car normal maintenance items are easier and/or less frequent. Our XC AWD does everything extremely well except for sporty handling where it is pretty modest when pushed. Our 850 turbo wagon does everything extremely well except for hard ride on rough surfaces. However, we have run 740's to pretty high mileages with almost no change in general feel of car or in reliability, with help of a very good independant mechanic nearby. One sold at 256k only because a great deal came up on a BMW 325 with 99k just after the son with that car graduated college and didn't need a car for anything but weekend fun. Otherwise, neither he nor I would have sold at that point, and it is still seen around town four years later. In fact, it was routinely taken across half the country on short-notice fraternity road trips just before it was sold. Our '88 745 sold at 208k to the first person who looked at it, and was generally perfect after years as our primary family hauler. It was replaced due to a good deal on a '91 745 with 108k four years ago. That 745 now has over 175k, with no intention of selling it in foreseable future. That son will spend his last semester in Budapest this fall, but wants the car kept for his return around 1/2005 so he won't be pressed for a car purchase while he is getting establihsed profefssionally - no concerns for car or its dependability. I would point out that as the cars age (whatever model) they will have down-time due to something failing, so a good shop is really critical for every day guaranteed use if you rely on it for your job. Also, in my opinion, there is no need to avoid a wagon for a fun car, if you look at the high pressure turbo wagons with their power and tighter suspensions. The sport wagon seems on the verge of a major comeback in teh automotive landscape if you follow the latest news. If you sell the 740, hold out for a premium price, as the good ones are highly sought after.
Mike
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Mike Sullivan ('91 745 (171k), '93 965 (147k), '95 855T (60k), '98 V70XC (78k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k).

Look for an 850GLT with Traction Control(TACS) and put on a good set of snow or all-season tires and you should do well in the snow. But don't get rid of a car you've maintained and you know well. The 850 is by far a more luxurious and comfortable riding. I bought one with 192,000 last year and have put on new struts, an electric ignition switch, a brake caliper, one air pump/check valve, and had the ABS/TRACS module rebuilt. So yes, there will be repairs and fixes, depending on the mileage and use. Total for my repairs (I did most of it myself) was around $800. Not too bad considering I bought the car for $4,000.
Good luck in your search.

Marty

Whatever you decide to buy, DO NOT get rid of the 740 wagon. Reliable, roomy, inexpensive to maintain and plenty of cargo space. Get good snow tires, and you'll be set. The 740 is a great workhorse with that red B230 engine.

The 850/v70 wagon is faster, nicer looking but more expensive to maintain, and has difficult access for common repairs, as the engine compartment is very crowded, a nightmare for the DIY. Also the electronics are problematic.

My 2c, keep the 740 wagon and get a japanese FWD for your other car, or even better get a '95 940 turbo wagon.

Cheers,
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'98 v70 GLT John, Tampa Bay

I have a 91-745 and a 97-855. They are both fabulous cars. Have you ever tried snow tires on all four wheels? It makes an incredible difference in the snow. I live in Minnesota and would not consider winter driving without a set. It cost me about $500 per car for a set on wheels from Tire Rack. I lent my 745 to a family member for a couple of days last winter and she would not believe that it was a rear drive car. Remeber, don't get cheap and try an all season compromise. Get a set of dedicated winter only tires on all four corners. Then you can out brake any SUV on the road.

I don't think they are, but I may be biased. I had a 89 760T that I loved, until two different people hit it with their cars. My 97 850 turbo is fun to drive, but is a little more maintanence intensive. But.. it does better in the snow here in Colorado.