850 AWD Turbo 5 speed
The nicest (all-around) car that I have ever owned, and I've had more than my share. Fun, safe, incredible traction, good handling - a real pleasure to drive. It's fairly rare too. A 1997 Volvo 850 Turbo AWD, 5 speed manual.
This is the last year Volvo made the 850 (changed to V70 in 1998, then bought by Ford in 1999). While basically the same shape, the 1998 V70s went to a cleaner monochromatic paint scheme. I prefer the contrasting dark grey moulding around the belt line of the 850s.
The 20 valve 2.4 litre 5 cyl. with the low pressure turbo (no intercooler) puts out 190 hp @ 5100 rpm and a very satisying 199 ft/lbs of torque at only 1800 rpm. With these specs it easy to understand how the car is so versatile and fun. It's not a rocket but you can definitely feel the pull of the turbo when you want to - it will move and the low end torque is quite impressive in my opinion.
The 16 inch 5 spoke "Persus" wheels are unique to this rare model (and C70s?). 850 turbos and '98 to '00 V70 turbos have the 16 inch swept spoke "Columbia" with a slightly different offset. All other Volvo straight spoke alloys in this era were 15 inch. I refinished mine to bring them back to perfect condition (top left picture). With the offset, and the wider rear track of the AWD model, the car has a more agressive stance than the FWD models.
As with my RX7 and my truck, summer and winter tires are Michelins (Pilot Exaltos and X Ice). 16 inch winter wheel covers are from Volvo - they cost more than the steel wheels!
Fully loaded, this car has the small, round front fog lights on the front spoiler (along with Volvo's standard rear fog light) and the rear spoiler.
I think the taupe leather inside is beautifully complimented by the wood. With perhaps the best factory seats on the market, the premium sound system... I have driven this car for hours on end without any complaints from myself, my wife or my daughters.
Stupidly, I no longer have this beauty and I let it go for a lot less than I should have. Not enough room, or money, to keep three. Wish I had found a way though - I sure miss it!
Notes:
I put some used Toyos on the car when I sold it and kept all the Michelins. Maybe I can get my hands on another one some day?? Although the coolest of all 850s, the 1995 T-5R, has 17 inch "Titan" wheels.
Thanks to "MugenVibes" for the info on Volvo wheels!
My first Volvo is on the next page.
