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My 945T was the most reliable car I ever owned. Nobody in the 850 world will ever make that claim.
A few thoughts:
850 has more amenities, is smaller, has harsher ride. In 1997, GLT model added the low pressure turbo. The 5-cyl engine (designed by Porsche) is nice, very smooth, delivers a lot of power with the same displacement (2.3L). It has FWD advantages (nice pullouts in snow) and disadvantages (torque steer, understeer). Loads of little reliability issues - especially the evaporator, a $1000-1500 repair if it happens to you.
940 is roomier, has the same seats, and the turbo makes it a nice performer (though not a screamer like the 850). Sadly, it's the end-of-life for a durable engine that can ring up 100,000's of miles, even in the early versions with the wrist pin flaw. Has RWD advantages (better turning performance, tight turn radius, better deceleration in snow) and disadvantages (can be tough to get moving in the snow). The turbo models have a better, tighter suspension. IPD rear swaybar recommended - makes a big difference.
Late model 960 adds the same engine as in the S80, quick and responsive car. Some small reliability teething pains with the new engine, but far more reliable than the old Peugeot V6 in earlier 760/960s. Has all the amenities of 850/SVC70. It was a mistake by Volvo to not build the S80 on a rear-drive platform - it's too big for FWD.
Memo to those who think the 850 is a better car than the RWD's simply because they're still around and the 940 isn't: I'd advise reading the automotive media carefully. There is a movement to restore RWD, particularly in the premium cars now coming out such as G30, 350Z, etc. The major marques (MB, BMW never strayed). And the US manufacturers are looking to bring back some RWD.
It was a business decision on Volvo's part to go FWD and abandon RWD. (A mistake, in my opinion, to not keep at least one RWD car in the lineup.) The primary reason for such a move is cost (cheaper to manufacture FWD) and fuel economy (less weight). It has nothing to do with one being 'better' than the other.
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David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)
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