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850 R purchase[ALL/1998] posted by Steve on
Tuesday, 18 November 1997, at 6:13 p.m.
This is my firtst post to this list. I am looking for your opinions of the 850 R. I have been looking at '95 850 Turbos and even an occaisional 850 GLT. BUT, I came across a '97 850 R wagon w/ titanium wheels (yes, I would pick up another set of "stock" wheels and tires to change out in the winter - now) it looks great, and I am going to drive it tomorrow. Do any of you own one of these things? What can you tell me about them? How much metter does it run etc than the "standard" turbo edition? I think I can get a pretty good deal on it, just looking for some addl info out there....thanks! - Steve
Re: 850 R purchase[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 8:43 a.m.
The "R" features 240 HP vs the 850 Turbo's 222 hp. But the difference is not as great as all that....The 240 which is quoted is only available for 7 seconds, and only at WOT. The torque numbers are identical. So, in most situations, you will not notice the difference. Other difference which are more noticable are the 17" vs 16" wheels, upholstery, slightly stiffer springs, reshaped front and rear spoiler. That's about it....Moreover, if you start looking at performance parts supplied by companies like IPD (actually there are no companies like IPD but IPD itself!), you'll soon see that its pretty easy to achieve 275 hp on either car, making the differences even less apparent. So, overally, I would say the differences are small.
Re: 850 R purchase[ALL/1998] posted by Crispin Glymph on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 3:18 p.m.
There are differences between the R and the T-5. The Suede interior (which is really nice), Woodgrain dash, TRACS all come standard. It does have the same engine, but different hp's for a very short period of time. As Paul said, it also has a lower front spoiler with built in fog lamps (also standard), but the 97' R did not come with a rear spolier as the older ones did, it was an option. I didn't get it. You also get the cold weather package standard and 3-way memory seats (both driver and passenger). They only came in three colors: Black (mine), white, and Bright Red (this color was only on the R).
I love my R, I am glad I got this over the T-5, but I have gone through some tires and one wheel. It definitly is a stiffer ride, too. I have scraped my front end plenty due to the roads here in houston.
FUN FUN FUN FUN Car!
Good Luck in getting one.
Re: 850 R purchase[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 4:08 p.m.
I'm glad you prefer your R to a T-5, however I can show you how I took the difference in money between the two, put it into upgrades which allow me to blow the doors off any "R", and have dollars left over! My 280 hp '95 854T cost more than $500 less than I could have gotten the R for that year (then known as the T5-R), and is an absololute joy to drive in every way...The R is also a great car....just that the money can be better spent. I do happen to like the look of the front spoiler, but if I wanted to , I could order it from Volvo for $250, paint it, and put it on, and I'd STILL be ahead of the game...Ok, so youve got that suede stuff on the seats....I'd rather have the better sway bars, the powerful ECU, and the better exhaust . Again, money better spent.