I've posted on a couple boards looking for advice on this (Saabnet, Swedespeed) - haven't hear much yet. Our 850 is a real dog at altitude (9-11,000' in colorado). I know all cars, especially NA engines, lose performance at altitude. We also have a '97 Saab 900s (2.3l 4 cyl, 150 hp - no turbo). The Saab seems to be less affected by altitude than the Volvo; I can maintain faster speeds in the Saab over the high passes here. HP to weight ratio on the two cars is almost identical, and both are 4 speed autos. The Volvo is in great mechanical condition, with 96,000 miles on it, and new plugs and air filter recently, still gets about 30mpg during flat highway driving.

Is it gearing (don't tell me to put it in sport mode - I know how to use my transmission)? Factory tuning? Compression ratio (Saab is higher compression engine I think)? It does seem that the Volvo is less willing to rev high even in Denver (5,000'). The Volvo is originally from the east coast.

Would a K&N or other filter help? Tractor v. Airplane? I'm not into doing serious mods. Maybe I just have to wait until we can get a newer car with turbo to minimize power loss at altitude...i.e. 9-5 wagon, or V70.

Thanks for your input!