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S/V70 T-5 "Harsh Ride" Rumors?[ALL/1988] posted by Bob Vernon on
Saturday, 17 January 1998, at 3:16 a.m.
I'm in the U.S. Navy in Naples, Italy and intend purchase a new S70 T-5 via overseas delivery upon return to San Diego this fall. There seems to be a recurrent theme here - "Harsh Ride" with the T-5. I have the unfortunate situation where I will not be able to test-drive overseas before purchase. A number of years ago I did, however, test drive an early 850 turbo when I bought my last Audi 100. I found the ride to be satisfactory but engine noises louder than the Audi. I loved the Audi's ride. Anyone have a comparison comment?
Re: S/V70 T-5 "Harsh Ride" Rumors?[ALL/1988] posted by Jerzy Rozenblit on
Saturday, 17 January 1998, at 9:19 a.m.
Bob:
I do not find the ride harsh compared with a well tuned German sports suspension. Just got back from several weeks in Germany and getting back into the S70 T5 was a surprise - the suspension did not feel stiff at all.
My only reservation about the car is its body integrity. There are a lot of rattles and squeaks, creaking noises, etc. on any but a very smooth surface. I do not think this is a singular experience as there appears to be a lot of complaints about this. Perhaps a visit to a dealer (the car has close to 5K) will rectify the problems.
Otherwise, a great car. A great combination of performance with comfort.
Good luck,
-Jerzy
Re: S/V70 T-5 "Harsh Ride" Rumors?[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Saturday, 17 January 1998, at 11:01 a.m.
Bob,
If you'r concerned with rattles and squeaks, you'll have better chances with the S70 instead of the V70. I have a '97 850 T-5(just before the 70 series came out) Station Wagon. Let's put it this way, my car talks to me or replies to every move I do. Well, it's not so bad but it does squeak and rattle considerably more than the sedan model. Whenever I take my car for service the dealer gives me a loaner S70 GLT(much more confortable ride and quiet). So far, the dealer has made attempts to find the noises(some are gone, but new ones come up) I think it's a great car(StationWagon) because of the cargo room, turbo performance, and fun to drive. It feels very safe. With the Euro Rails(roof) slap some Yakima cross bars then skis, bikes, cargo.... not a problem. Long trips in any weather is a breeze.
The ride for this model with the low profile tires, a bit harsh. That was the only problem I had. Hopefully will fix it soon with new shocks and other things. The ride: you get used to it or just forget about it. May be the V70 has been revised and a bit smoother, I doubt it since the turbo needs the SPORTS RIDE.
GOOD LUCK...
Ciao
han
Re: S/V70 T-5 "Harsh Ride" Rumors?[ALL/1988] posted by pat on
Saturday, 17 January 1998, at 1:36 p.m.
As Jerzy put it >> There are a lot of rattles and squeaks, creaking noises, etc. on any but a very smooth surface. <<, owning a V70T5 I'd almost have to agree. I would not call them rattles or squeaks but you definitely 'hear' the car going over almost any bump. Then again, at 80mph on the freeway it's a great quiet ride. We recently drove an S70 GLT loaner and the ride was not that much more noticeably smoother. We noticed far sooner the lack of power than the difference in the ride quality.
The only thing about the ride quality that I don't like is some bumps have a tendency to just really shock the car. I've heard Bilsteins shocks can cure this and I just may install them come summer time.
Re: S/V70 T-5 "Harsh Ride" Rumors?[ALL/1988] posted by Bob Vernon on
Sunday, 18 January 1998, at 3:52 a.m.
Well, I'm satisfied now that a T-5 won't be too bad. I'm not unfamiliar with stiffer European style suspension, I've owned either Volvo (122/142/144GL) VW (Golf/Jetta/Passat), Mercedes (190) or Audi (two 100s) since 1969! Every time I have to drive an Avis or Hertz Buick or Taurus, it's like driving a marshmallow and the brakes seem particularly bad. Even the Pontiac Bonneville "SE" just wasn't quite right.
To those considering Bilsteins, they ARE amazing. Their gas-pressure technology seems to adjust to any condition to ensure a stable but not harsh ride. I've experienced Koni on one of my brother's Volvos but they were severe even at the lowest settings. But he was dirt road rallying in Canada with that 142. In leaner times, I have opted for KYB gas shocks (half the price of Bilstein) and they were pretty good but not as good as Bilsteins. I think most of the Volvo OEM shocks are Boge but are they gas models? I put Boge gas shocks on my Mercedes 190 and they were a great ride - a little more towards comfort than control.
Re: S/V70 T-5 "Harsh Ride" Rumors?[ALL/1988] posted by Vikram Mittal on
Tuesday, 20 January 1998, at 5:25 p.m.
As a current owner of a 855 T5 and an Audi 100, the Audi ride is far better than
anything else. However, comparing the Audi to the Volvo in terms of accelaration and engine response is like comparing a cycle to a car.
I find the fit, finish and solidity of the Audi much better than the Volvo. The volvo rattles all over - this is when I am paranoid while going over bumps.
If you want engine, the Volvo is outstanding. If you want safety, solidity and ride, go for the Audi.