Much easier to maintain. Check the clutch! As it wears, the pedal will go closer to the floor before disengaging. Once you get the pedal to the floor and it is still in gear, you probably don't have a clutch plate left.

Some of the newer models, don't know year, the slave is inside the transmission.

On those with the slave outside, the pin can rust and clutch operation comes to an end. There is a "fix" for that, involves grinding down a new piston pin and threading the end. Not the end of the world.

There is plenty of power with the 2.4L, especially when you down shift or leave it in higher rpms.

I like the V70 window controls in the door, Vs the center console of the 850's. And the heated seats are better in the V70.

EDIT:
I saw this for $1,000!! Grab it:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/d/1995-volvo-850-wagon-stick/6425910928.html

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Keeping it running is better than buying new