Hi,
new user here. Not familiar with the forum, so I hope that this is not a FAQ that annoys people. We are having our first child and have decided to get a 98 or 99 v70. The remaining question is what configuration... My concerns are mostly about how power and AWD contribute to safety.

Does anyone out there feel that the t5 is safer than the glt because it has better acceleration. I have to admit that I am a power junkie (Our other car is a 98 Z28), but I also believe that power is a safety consideration. e.g. entrance ramps. Does anyone out there with the low pressure turbo (either glt or xc) wish that they had more power?

Second question is similar: fwd vs. awd. I also believe that traction is a safety issue. Does anyone out there feel that the awd was a better choice because of better grip on wet/icy roads? I am not talking about Vermont or Minnesota type snow. I am talking about spotty ice, e.g. black ice like we get here in North Carolina.

Also, is the glt quicker than the XC since it has the same engine, but with less weight?

How about the reliability of the awd system? Pretty stout?

Any feedback would be appreciated...
Thanks!

Dan