Sorry for the simple question. I'm a newbie. I think I want a 95 through 97 850 T5, but I wanted to understand the differences a little better. What are the differences in engines, compression ratios, total boost, engine size, horsepower, etc.? For example, if the t5 is just a GLT engine running a little more boost, it would seem to make sense to buy a GLT (having run its whole life at a lower boost level and just turn up the squeeze a little, right?)

I want a fun highway car that is fairly comfortable but fast. What are the differences in suspensions and brakes between each of the GLT, t5 and t5R?

Finally, anybody know the general weight of each in sedan and wagon?

Is there a turbo and a T5? are they 2 different models or the same?

Thank you very much!

-dc

http://host12.ipowerweb.com/~carthril/volvo/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39

GLTs are non-turbo 1993-1996, but picked up a small low pressure turbocharger 1997-on which helps for low speed responsiveness. The GLT low pressure turbo engines are even a different displacement from the ones badged "T5" or "R", which is a 2.3 liter with beefier innards. T5s are usually 222 hp, Rs are claimed to allow a momentary pressure burst up to 240hp, but the car mags mostly reported similar acceleration numbers to the T5. The main differences are nicer 17" wheels, (often brake-dust colored) some more suspension goodies and a synthetic suede upholstery called "Alcantara" http://www.alcantara.it/english/ The generally accepted order of desirability is R>>T5>>GLT. Sedans are slightly faster than wagons because of the additional weight. Manuals are faster than automatics, about a second to 60, but in North America only Canada received 850 T5 manuals, in the US we had to wait for the SVC70s.

-Punxsutawney Phil

We have 3 850's, 93 & 95 854 GLT and a 95 855T. Our GLT's don't have turbo's and are rated at 168 hp. They began in 1996 making them with low pressure turbo with 190 hp. The low pressure turbo's are 2435 cc and the others are 2319 cc's. I believe that all the 94 & 95 models were rated at 220/222. There are some, I believe the R, that would give an additional 18/20 hp for approximately 20 seconds in a burst due to ECU programming. You can better that by upgrading the ECU in either of the turbo's with an aftermarket unit along with a performance exhaust and bring the horsepower up to around 275 or better. I have a TME unit from IPD along with a performance exhaust that is rated at 275 and am very happy with the improvements. Check the IPDUSA website for info on the ECU's and exhaust. Others on this board have used other brand units so you need to do some homework.

Good luck.

93 & 95 854 GLT, 95 855 T, 93 Camry (sorry about that)
85 & 86 245 (RIP)

GLT is light pressure turbo beginning in 1997 (turbo not necessarily in GLT prior to that year). T5 and R have the high pressure turbo. The smaller turbo spools faster and gets better standing starts, the large-bore turbo is slower spooling but when it gets to full boil it will part your hair down the middle...great top end performance. The LPT faster to 40mph, but HPT will be further down the road and accelerating enthusiastically by 60mph.

T-5 is engineered for the higher stress with lined cylinder walls, sodium filled valves, forged cranks, and crown geometry pistons.

Short story: GLT with LPT for around town, T-5 (or R) with HPT for the open road.
--
David (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)

volvo 850 weighs 1500kg approx.

When describing an 850 the engines and trim levels are what makes model.The engines are 2.0,2.5 & T5.For the trim level you have SE,GLT,GLE & CD.The R is a special edition.

So using the above you could buy an 850 T5 GLT, T5 GLE or T5 CD.GLT trim level is sort of the medium as you get electric windows half leather etc.If you want top spec the go for a cd model as you will get leather,tracs, electric seat adjustment .....

Go for a T5(2.3 turbo 222-225bhp) Ive got one and love it to bits.if you go any lower you'll only regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make sure you get a/c as it make driving more enjoyable.

Read the archives for things to look out for when buying an 850.

If you want power do NOT get the GLT... At least get the 850 Turbo (T5). The T5 and T-5R both have the high pressure turbocharger. The T5 will have 222hp, and the T-5R holds the boost a little longer for a total of 240hp. The T-5R also has a stiffer suspension, beefier anti-sway bars, more powerful brakes and rides on 17" wheels with ultra low profile tires. And yes, the T-5 is the same as the 850 Turbo (just named differently for their respective years).

If you could pick one definately go with the T-5R. They are pretty rare (at least here they are), so if you can find one, definately check it out. The 850 Turbo is a beautiful car as well (I have a '95) and it's very powerful. It will blow the doors off of a GLT(and most cars on the road), and actually is nearly as quick at the T-5R (the HP difference between the two is negligible.) I'm very happy with my 850 Turbo; it has class, safety, luxury, style, and plenty of power.
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'95 Volvo 854 Turbo: Gold Edition
K&N Air Filter, Leather, 6 disc CD-changer, Rear Spoiler
tinted windows