the new v70 platform/chassis is stiffer (and quieter) than the previous gen 850/70 series. the ride is more refined and less harsh than the prev gen. as for AWD, bevel gear stories are a pain. the new 2002 (or 2003) v70 will receive the electronic version of AWD present on the 2002 s60 AWD. whether this system is better/more reliable than the old remains to be seen (although it probably will be). ford bought volvo mainly to have the mid-luxury class secured...and also to access volvo's state of the are crash testing site. ford hasn't really interfered with volvo in a bad sense. but has provided a huge boost in resource. u should really go test drive both a 1999/2000 v70 and a new 2002 v70 b4 u buy them. c which one u like.