i'm car hunting right now in Ontario, and i wanna ask 96 owners: is there an appreciable difference between the GLE base engine and the GLT 20 valve?

Definitly a GLT. I have a 98 S70 GLT and Im very satisfied with its performance 0-60 7.5-7.8 sec and 1/4 mi 15.6-16.0 sec top speed is 135-140mph. It has 190hp@ rpm and 199tor @ 1800 rpm. Although I wanted a t5 or t5r with a manual trans My GLT has satisfied me perfect. You can upgrade HP/Tor very easy with a programmed ECM and a high flow exhaust= 40-55hp. The normaly aspirated model has 168hp@5900 rpm 170 tor@4500 rpm which even though comes in a 5 speed manual in which the GLT low pressure turbo only comes in automatic trans. the T5 models come in AT or manual and has 236hp@5400rpm and 244tor@2400rpm. I just dont feel you would be impressed with the poor performance of the base 10v engine. Remeber Volvo,Swedeish,sport or performance car owners which ever we liked to be called are vehicle enthusiasts and enjoy a well crafted vehicle that has good acceleration, handling & braking. Are looks important? Well some Volvos look lets say different, but as long as the lady in the front passenger seat is hot I feel that more than makes up for it. Have fun in your search.

Get a GLT with low pressure turbo (early GLT's are normally aspirated, so check to see if it has a turbo, located between the engine and firewall, right in the center of that area; you'll also see a tube running acrross the engine from the turbo to the intercooler). This car will give you plenty of quickness, and the consumer publications recommend the GLT as the best bang for your Volvo buck.

The normally aspirated engines are noiser, and have to labor under load; plus the base model cars come under-equipped.
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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)

Get the 20 valve engine with the GLT. The 10 Valve GLE engine is weak for such a large car, and runs rougher.

Koz.

Yes, the GLT with 20 valve is better, I have the '97 base which has the 20 valve. As a used car, the price differnet should not be much for a '96 GLE or GLT, if they do just try to get a deal with them. If you have a choice of '96 and '97, I will go to the '97, as the year end model, they normally has a lot of free stuff, look for SE (special edition) model, which can save you futher.
PChiu

In model year 96 there is no difference. In model year
97 the GLTs came with the low pressure turbo (and have
ever since).

Get the GLT its available in a stick and is alot of fun to drive. If you have the extra $$ just go for the turbo.. I sure wish I did!