I bought a '98 V70 (vanilla - auto) back in 2006, from my local dealer of 18 years, and apart from a door stop issue which I've still got on my to-do list, the vehicle hasn't let me down. Compared to my other runner, an '88 765 (Turbo, which still eats front brakes - OK, off-topic), the V70 is a bit doggy, which my wife and I have to keep in mind out on the DCW. We're OK with it.
Otherwise, compared to the '88, the back window of the V70 is always cleaner, due, in my opinion, to the spoiler, but what do I know: my knowledge of aerodynamics is restricted to 39 years of staying alive in the air, and getting back on the ground in one piece. Volvo's ideas don't always jibe with ours, but they've generally got more people thinking about the issue than we can bring to the party, no? However,get it straight that I'm not about to joust with Klaus on this matter - I've still got more to learn from him than he has time to teach me, even on line.
Let us know what you decide - it might bring even me around...
Regards, Garth

oh,yeah: '69 142, new until sale in '78
'78 264, new until sale in '06 (quite ragged in the skirts by then)
'88 765, new until now,
and the '98 V70.
Like I said...