The "R" is not a 960 with soft struts, is it Volvo's race version with 'sport' suspension and Nivomats in the rear. The car should never lean in any corner, nor should the nose dive under hard braking.

My 1998, which has no 'comfort' setting, rides like a truck until it gets up to about 60. Above that, it grips the road and goes where you think it ought to go.

I hope you tried out the different ride settings.

If you don't like the "R", try a 2005-2007 XC70. Not as much room in the rear as the 960 for hauling, but just as smooth and AWD for snow and ice.

BTW, even with all of the bad mouthing, grumbling, and expense of the AWD Volvo has, you cannot make the car slide out while turning on slipery pavement. I watched a bunch of BMW race drivers try this on a wet parking lot, hard turn and full gas at the same time at about 25-30mph, the car slowed down to make the curve!

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.