Hi,
I'm looking at either X/C 70's or perhaps an X/c 90.
What is the more powerful motor? Easiest maintenance? Do they both use timing belts or is the 6 a timing chain? (do the chains have issues?)

It seems most of the cars I see for sale are 3.2's

Most of the cars I'm looking at are 2004 - 2010. I rather get a 70 but the 90's have a bit more room and I do some woodworking and sometimes need the extra. (getting rid of a Chrysler POS at 100K because of all the problems, it holds a lot but, OIY!) plus I need AWD because I must show up to work during Winter.
Thank you!
Chris

The power of the 2.5T and 3.2 are similar. The 5-cylinder, as you know, uses a timing belt. In order to package the extra length of the 6 cylinder, Volvo did away with the belt and devised a system they call the Rear Accessory Drive or "READ". It's gear driven off the back side of the motor (above the transmission).

Neither stand out as particularly problematic. You're best off finding one that has been well-maintained, regardless of the motor.

-Will
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V70 / Mini

Thank you! I guess that was the answer I was hoping for. I'm looking at x/c90's and x/c 70's I like the wagons more but I'll be going for the one in the best shape.

Me: I have a 2007 V70 base and am looking at a 2004 XC-90 being sold privately.
No engine choice help from me as both have the 5 cylinder. The V70 is non turbo (being a base) and the XC-90 is low pressure turbo.

The irony is that Volvo went to the 3.2 I6 (which drinks more fuel) in 2008 just as the world was going through oil tremors. old news, I know.

I've often read that the XC-90's are harder on suspension parts than the 70 series.
Condition is the thing you need weigh.
The 90's ride height is also more desirable to many.

3.2 is chain driven. Being a 6 cylinder, it is certainly more powerful than a NA 5 cylinder. The turbo 5 might be more powerful?? A friend has a 2011 XC T6 (70 series) and that car is the fastest Volvo I’ve ever driven. The T6 is a great motor! Fast, plenty of torque and smooth.
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

We own '08, and '12 XC70s - 3.2 both.

We bought the '12 new, and the '08 used as it is the first year with the same body. Interestingly, the '12 is front wheel drive (many people did not know about this version) base model that we got for 26K new! It was poor in the snow, but far better with 4 snow tires.

I measured our 855R, XC60, and XC70 - they are nearly the same in the cargo area!

Do you need length or height? I think the 90 is shorter but higher.

If you carry stuff, get Volvo's rear seat net - its clever design can be used with the rear seat up or down, and the later version can be swapped between our "08 or '12.

As for power, neither car compares with our 855R - but both 3.2s are much better than our NA 850s which just seemed to make noise but no real power compared to the 855R.