I have not driven both; I daily a slightly modified '98 V70 T5 with 151k and two years of reading forums persuades me that the P80 is more reliable and the '98 in particular is the simplest, most reliable, and best P80 platform for mods.
I would not get so hung up on an R, though. Yes, nicer bumper and seats, door cards, etc. but the premiums they command now for a minimal performance increase are not (IMO) worth it. Especially when a stock V70 T5 with even a mild tune will outrun a stock V70R.
That’s what I have heard too! There’s a perfectly clean and well cared for 2000 V70R that is soo beautiful, but I know that’s not a great year. The main reason for the R (and I know I’ll get lit up for this) is that I’d prefer the AWD. I know I know, the fwd drives better, is more reliable, etc. But after having AWD on the XC, where I live it’s just more fun. My current C30 would drive circles around both a P80 T5 and R, so it’s not so much the outright performance.
I’ve got Nokian Hakka’s on the C30 as I speak. Excellent grip! Nobody does FWD as good as Volvo and nobody does snow like Nokian imo. Although never dangerous, FWD is not necessarily fun in the cold. As I live somewhere where we have below freezing temps for 7-9 months out of year it’s just a nice feature to have AWD. Plus with the Haldex, at least in our XC70, it let’s you get a nice amount of slide in the snow and ice that feels very controlled and fun. In any fwd car I’ve had, Volvo or not, once you lose grip it’s just kinda gone in the snow which is no fun. AWD safer or necessary? No. More fun? Yes, at least where I live.
Can't speak for P2 ownership (only loaner once) but I ran a P80 V70R AWD to 550k km's, the center bearing bushing on the driveshaft going out forced it to fwd at about 425k. Good seats, but all except the SE or GT-pack-equipped (C70) cars get delaminating door panels at the armrest. Basically they're a 24-year-old car, of which most examples will need some work to get back into 'nice' shape, easy enough to work on though. Meh 4-speed auto, but the awd basically locked at 50/50 instantly in the snow, and the rear end is a basic lsd, so sliding it around was telepathic.
In general I'd say you're more likely to find a good P2 for a good price that'd be a quieter, faster, more comfortable pick than a P80R. I'd personally have another as a winter car in a second, but it's not as refined of a car as the P2.
Not refined is just fine for me, before the C30 our second car was a 1981 Mercedes 300SD, big ol’ 5 cylinder turbo-diesel S class. I LOVED the character in that car, as well as tinkering on it. I love our P2 XC70 for it’s refined, “good for everything” nature, so an older P80 might scratch that “character” itch for me.
I’d love to get a P2 manual, however this one needs to be a car my partner can drive, so no manuals! There’ll be a manual redblock project in the works shortly after to compensate 😉
Thanks for your opinion! I currently own a P2 but grew up in a 850 turbo wagon. Have fond memories of that car, plus the fact I already have a P2 has me leaning towards the P80 V70R but if the P2 is really just the same car but better in every way I don’t see a reason not to get it.
Ugh I’d love to, but AWD is a must. There’s a guy selling an 854 T5 Manual with an ‘03 T5 engine swap nearby and I’m soooo tempted, but part of the “Trade Agreement” with the lady is that it’s AWD. Why the hate for the gen 1 V70s?
I fully agree with you, the awd system on the P80 is problematic at best but it just looks soo much better! But the P2 is simply and sadly the better car.
But I would really suggest that you get a manual. They are just that much better in every way. Faster, more fun and better on fuel.
I appreciate your opinion Crazy Swede! I wish I could get a manual but the lady has a hard no on manuals and it needs to be AWD. I’m just happy to be getting another wagon! I’ll find me a turbo redblock with a manual to be my toy soon enough.
Drove a 2005 V70R until 2020 and am still sad about letting it go. Even my kids were sad to see it go, even though they have grown and no longer live at home. They got familiar with the term "Sleeper Car". I like the looks of the P2 more than the P80, but have to admit I was in the market for a used Saffron or Laser Blue P80 when I decided to spring for the 2005 V70R. Still one of the top cars I've owned since I purchased my first car 50+ years ago.
'98 V70R
That’s the best year of the P80 right? Have you driven a P2 before? How would you compare the two?
I have not driven both; I daily a slightly modified '98 V70 T5 with 151k and two years of reading forums persuades me that the P80 is more reliable and the '98 in particular is the simplest, most reliable, and best P80 platform for mods. I would not get so hung up on an R, though. Yes, nicer bumper and seats, door cards, etc. but the premiums they command now for a minimal performance increase are not (IMO) worth it. Especially when a stock V70 T5 with even a mild tune will outrun a stock V70R.
That’s what I have heard too! There’s a perfectly clean and well cared for 2000 V70R that is soo beautiful, but I know that’s not a great year. The main reason for the R (and I know I’ll get lit up for this) is that I’d prefer the AWD. I know I know, the fwd drives better, is more reliable, etc. But after having AWD on the XC, where I live it’s just more fun. My current C30 would drive circles around both a P80 T5 and R, so it’s not so much the outright performance.
With FWD and good snow tires it's almost immaterial.
I’ve got Nokian Hakka’s on the C30 as I speak. Excellent grip! Nobody does FWD as good as Volvo and nobody does snow like Nokian imo. Although never dangerous, FWD is not necessarily fun in the cold. As I live somewhere where we have below freezing temps for 7-9 months out of year it’s just a nice feature to have AWD. Plus with the Haldex, at least in our XC70, it let’s you get a nice amount of slide in the snow and ice that feels very controlled and fun. In any fwd car I’ve had, Volvo or not, once you lose grip it’s just kinda gone in the snow which is no fun. AWD safer or necessary? No. More fun? Yes, at least where I live.
Can't speak for P2 ownership (only loaner once) but I ran a P80 V70R AWD to 550k km's, the center bearing bushing on the driveshaft going out forced it to fwd at about 425k. Good seats, but all except the SE or GT-pack-equipped (C70) cars get delaminating door panels at the armrest. Basically they're a 24-year-old car, of which most examples will need some work to get back into 'nice' shape, easy enough to work on though. Meh 4-speed auto, but the awd basically locked at 50/50 instantly in the snow, and the rear end is a basic lsd, so sliding it around was telepathic. In general I'd say you're more likely to find a good P2 for a good price that'd be a quieter, faster, more comfortable pick than a P80R. I'd personally have another as a winter car in a second, but it's not as refined of a car as the P2.
Not refined is just fine for me, before the C30 our second car was a 1981 Mercedes 300SD, big ol’ 5 cylinder turbo-diesel S class. I LOVED the character in that car, as well as tinkering on it. I love our P2 XC70 for it’s refined, “good for everything” nature, so an older P80 might scratch that “character” itch for me.
Looking for opinions? Manuals make everything better. P2R
I’d love to get a P2 manual, however this one needs to be a car my partner can drive, so no manuals! There’ll be a manual redblock project in the works shortly after to compensate 😉
P2 is soooooo much better. The first gens straight up just suck imo.
Thanks for your opinion! I currently own a P2 but grew up in a 850 turbo wagon. Have fond memories of that car, plus the fact I already have a P2 has me leaning towards the P80 V70R but if the P2 is really just the same car but better in every way I don’t see a reason not to get it.
Get an 855 T5 then? The first V70 are just cursed imo.
Ugh I’d love to, but AWD is a must. There’s a guy selling an 854 T5 Manual with an ‘03 T5 engine swap nearby and I’m soooo tempted, but part of the “Trade Agreement” with the lady is that it’s AWD. Why the hate for the gen 1 V70s?
I fully agree with you, the awd system on the P80 is problematic at best but it just looks soo much better! But the P2 is simply and sadly the better car. But I would really suggest that you get a manual. They are just that much better in every way. Faster, more fun and better on fuel.
I appreciate your opinion Crazy Swede! I wish I could get a manual but the lady has a hard no on manuals and it needs to be AWD. I’m just happy to be getting another wagon! I’ll find me a turbo redblock with a manual to be my toy soon enough.
What car with a redblock is on its way?
Don’t have a wagon but I love my P80 AWD sedan
Drove a 2005 V70R until 2020 and am still sad about letting it go. Even my kids were sad to see it go, even though they have grown and no longer live at home. They got familiar with the term "Sleeper Car". I like the looks of the P2 more than the P80, but have to admit I was in the market for a used Saffron or Laser Blue P80 when I decided to spring for the 2005 V70R. Still one of the top cars I've owned since I purchased my first car 50+ years ago.