I had my heart set on a 97 850 R wagon to enjoy in my old age. I found one in immaculate condition with just 50K on it. Before taking it for a test drive, I made the mistake of taking a ride in a 99 V-70 T-5. There were three people in the V-70 and I could break the front wheels loose with no problem. The car would almost crawl out from under you. The next day I took the 850R wagon out, likewise with three people. The ride was smooth and nice, the interior to die for, but when I really put the pedal to the metal several times, the response was not even close to the 99 T-5. I was really disappointed, wondering where that 280 horse for eight seconds was at. Definitely not there. I don't think the 850R was out of tune. Did Volvo change the torque curve on the 99 T-5? Why didn't the 850R outperform the 99 T-5 with its added high-end horsepower? It has really made me rethink getting the 850R. Both are in the same price range. Dick