If you're needing utter reliability, and a remarkably tight turning radius, the 944T or 945T would be a good move. Do not consider normally aspirated, too weak; and the turbos have better front suspension and braking components. It's a beautiful and spacious car, and my addition of Hella MicroDE foglights to my 94 945T dramatically improved night lighting.

The 70's have a miserable turning radius, a measure of the usual FWD oddities (though the implementation is better than most), and a few moderately expensive bugs. OK, if the evaporator goes, an outrageously expensive bug. But the 70s have a more solid build quality, better cabin amenities, ride is more quiet, sound system is better.

If you get a late model 960 (95 through 98), you get the 6cylinder engine that's now in the S80 plus cabin amenities equal to the 850/70. I've driven it. It's quiet, comfortable, softer riding than 850/70 (some might describe the ride as 'spongy'), accelerates authoritatively, and has the fabulous Volvo RWD turning radius. This car has it's oddities, particularly questions about component reliability...but these probably conform to complaints about FWD Volvos manufactured during the same period.

David
(98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)
(Previous: 86 240DL / 88 745T / 94 945T)