Here're a couple of quotes I found on the Volvoclub UK website's "850 register" page that appear to indicate that the opposite of what you experienced is the norm. Of course the comments may only pertain to UK vehicles.

"The main problem I have found with the 850 T5 is the ease that the front wheels can be spun, especially on wet roads. It takes great care to pull away briskly and maintain good grip. It is also the cause of rapid tyre wear on the front wheels. This was addressed in the V70 T5 by re-mapping the power output so that the main power came in a little later and allowed the car to move away under better control to start with."

and

"The newer V/S70 models are fitted with a 'fly-by-wire' system whereby the accelerator does not have a cable, but has an electronic link to the engine management system. Neat. But some of these models have a known problem. I don't yet have details of the range of cars, but it may only be the turbo models. I mentioned this in my last report. There is a lack of power when moving off from rest. Volvo now has new software to fix this problem, and it is covered by warranty."
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In the Country of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is King