Guys,

Is there any engine difference between 850R and 850-T5 production between 1995-97 both with auto transmission.
I read in "Wheels" 1996 - Australian edition that 850R has more linear torque curve due to "upgraded software in the engine management system" Is this true in case auto trans? Perhaps manual only? Is this true at all? Or it is just a Volvo claim to justify the higher price for the R. (apart of the 17" wheels, stiffer/lower suspension, bone leather, etc )
Is it true that when "R" accelerates there is almost no sensation(liner torque), where T5 is brutal and takes you by suprise when the turbo kicks off ?
Have you compared both ?

Cheers, SBA

not sure about other years, but in 1995 both the T5 and the 850R were available in the usa. both were front wheel drives. the 850R station wagon had a top speed of about 150 miles per hour, the T5 has a somewhat lower top speed. the 850R did have a very linear increase in velocity. the 850R had strange colors like canary yellow and 17 inch wheels with very low profile tires. i almost purchased a 850R but changed my mind and bought the T5. i met the lady that bought the 850R a year latter. she had to replace two front tires and wheels that were damaged in potholes in the road. she also said the ride was "rough".

Check Matthew's web page:
http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo_850.php#changes

Seems the Turbo with 222bhp was supplanted by the R with 240bhp. 850s never had awd, the 1998 V70R did.

All 850 high pressure turbos were/are a little cammy. At about 3500, full torque kicks in and you need to hang on for dear life, till about 5000 rpm or so. Lots of fun.

Klaus

All 850 high pressure turbos were/are a little cammy. At about 3500, full torque kicks in and you need to hang on for dear life, till about 5000 rpm or so. Lots of fun.

I'll second that one! Amen. You better have it pointed where you want it to go before WOT. 336 hp S70 T5 5-speed.

You have a WHAT??
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

The T-5 being FWD compared to the R which is AWD has slightly more boost (same engine)...The T5-R was only made in '95 while the T-5 only in '97. The R was made for 2 years, in '96 and '97...at least all of this is true for the U.S. market...not sure about the Euro or other world markets. Here's my source: http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=14333
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.