Please explain the AWD P80 chassis cars (855/V70)

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 13 Jul 2014, 19:13

Lately I've been curious about the AWD versions of the 855 & V70, but I haven't found much in the way of FAQs/wikis explaining the model differences. Perhaps someone can help?

Depending on what I discover, I might want to add an AWD model to my passive search list of interesting Volvos to snatch up, should I come across one for a steal.

1. The $64,000 question is: which, if any of these were sold with a fully manual gearbox (not geartronic)? Do not limit your answers to the US market only.

2. Considering the extensive interchangeability of mechanical bits across the full P80 line, what are the major differences that the AWD cars have over the FWD ones? (e.g., suspension, turbo, long block, ECU)

3. Did the grotesquely tall ride height begin with the P2 cars, or are there tall P80 AWD cars as well? I hate tall cars, so I'd like to rule those variants out, if they exist.

TrstnBrtt · Post by **TrstnBrtt** » 19 Jul 2014, 11:25

1- the 850 AWD wagons were sold as manuals. I'm not sure if it was all of them, but everyone I have ever seen has been a manual. They are Canadian only and only about 217 came here. I've seen 2 in junkyards.. I've never seen a manual 70 series AWD but that's just me personally. They may exist.
2- I believe the rear suspension and gas tank are completely different on the AWD cars. Typically the 70 series are just GLT's with AWD added. Same engine and transmission and LPT and option packages. ECU I'm unsure of.
3- I went from a 98 S70 GLT on 16" Columbia's to to the 99 S70 AWD and it's on 15" Ariana's with chunky tires. The AWD is noticeably taller but the P80 line are pretty low cars to begin with so it's not an awkward look.

TrstnBrtt · Post by **TrstnBrtt** » 19 Jul 2014, 11:31

Excuse the poor grammar on my last post. I noticed a mistake but anyways I forgot to mention the exhaust is weird on 70 series AWD. The tailpipe comes out the right side instead of the left. There is a muffler on each side. The right side has an exhaust tip and comes out the bumper and the left side is a dead muffler. It's plumbed in but there is no exit on it and the bumper has a weird plastic cover over it. It's a weird look but definitely differentiates it from fwd models. I think they did it because a dual setup was too noisy. Wouldn't be hard to weld a new muffler with tip on though

drgswede1978 · Post by **drgswede1978** » 19 Jul 2014, 12:08

The xc70 p80's sit higher. Just longer springs i think. And also self levelling dampers on the back. Also real easy to install a dual exhaust.

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 20 Jul 2014, 03:19

Were the AWD cars available as turbos, NAs, or both?

Do the differences between the 850 AWD and the V70XC mirror the changes made from the FWD 850 to the S70/V70?

Is the rear suspension particularly odd, other than the Nivomats? Is it possible to get some traditional shocks/struts in there and lower the car to standard FWD ride height (or 1-2" even lower)?

Post by **JRL** » 20 Jul 2014, 04:48

ALL AWDs are light pressure turbos
No manual AWDs ever for the US
As was said a handful of 850 AWDs were made in 1997 for Canada (and of course they were available in many other parts of the world)

AWD rear suspension is different
Some had Nivomat shocks and springs
XCs Ride about an inch taller
"Regular" AWDs ride about a 1/2 taller

P2 AWDs have a higher ride height

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 20 Jul 2014, 11:22

It sounds like having an AWD car set up for performance driving would be an ambitious undertaking, then. I was hoping to see if I could come up with the Volvo version of a WRX STI for maximum grocery retrieval efficiency and general ridiculousness.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 20 Jul 2014, 12:16

There is a fair bit of misinformation going around here...
Start here for a P80 AWD that's fast and low:
http://v70r.com/forums/forum/4-1998-2000-v70r/

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 20 Jul 2014, 12:53

BEJinFbk wrote:There is a fair bit of misinformation going around here...
Start here for a P80 AWD that's fast and low:
http://v70r.com/forums/forum/4-1998-2000-v70r/

FYI, that link just goes to the general forum. Is there a specific thread I should look for?

How did I not know about the V70R AWD before? And why did no one mention it yet? This is precisely what I am talking about, although it appears I'll have to buy one overseas. As an 850 guy, I've remained fairly ignorant about the V70 products so far. Do the manuals still use the M56 gearbox?