S70 T5 -- softer ride? tires?

[MoVolvos]

When you look for rims here are the 3 main criteria with the bolt pattern being set (standard). Here is what was on my old S70 T5
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http://volvo-wheels.com/product/volvo-s ... m-8622862/
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Specifications
Hollander Part Number 70241
Volvo Part Number 8622862
Volvo Stamping Number 9173544
Bolt Pattern 5 x 108mm
Color / Finish Silver Bright (936)
Diameter & Width 15″ x 6.5″
Offset 43mm
Color Code 938

The offset is important but can be somewhat flexible as is the width.

[erikv11]

Yes, the standard wheels from any 850 95 or newer or from any S70 will fit. And apparently any V70, certainly any V70 up to 2000. This is a really easy swap you don't need to get technical, though of course you can.

[MoVolvos]

Yes, the standard wheels from any 850 95 or newer or from any S70 will fit. And apparently any V70, certainly any V70 up to 2000. This is a really easy swap you don't need to get technical, though of course you can.

and I ask that because at Tirerack they show 15" available for the S70.

Those 3 specs in particular will help those looking for non-Volvo rims from sources such as TireRack.

[Cees Klumper]

I went from 17 inch to 16 inch wheels on our 2001 C70 T5 for this reason but did not notice a big difference. Far bigger impact had the type shocks as another poster suggested. I found the standard Sachs touring type shocks much smoother than Bilstein HD's I had put on our S80 T6.

[Rattnalle]

I went from 17 inch to 16 inch wheels on our 2001 C70 T5 for this reason but did not notice a big difference. Far bigger impact had the type shocks as another poster suggested. I found the standard Sachs touring type shocks much smoother than Bilstein HD's I had put on our S80 T6.

I've tried both 205/55-16 and 225/45-17 on my P2 V70 and the difference was dramatic. I couldn't stand the 17" rims even though they look good on the car. However the step to 195/65-15 isn't as big though also noticeable on poor roads.

[Eddystone]

I have a 99 S70 T5 and a 1998 V70 non-turbo. They have different wheels and tires on them with the T5 having 16" wheel with lower profile tires, but I don't really notice any difference between the cars except for the T5 being much more powerful and seeming to cruise at a lower rpm for a given speed. The T5 ride doesn't feel any harsher to me. I would love to know if there were any real differences in the suspension components from the factory and also if there are differences in the gear ratios.

[erikv11]

... I would love to know if ... there are differences in the gear ratios.

Yes, it is "well known" (but I'd have to do a search to recite the difference) that the turbo transmission has different gear ratios than the NA one.

[Rattnalle]

... I would love to know if ... there are differences in the gear ratios.

Yes, it is "well known" (but I'd have to do a search to recite the difference) that the turbo transmission has different gear ratios than the NA one.

Yes, in both auto and manual configuration. To use the low rpm torque of the turbo better. The NA would require a lot more shifting with the same gearing.

I don't think suspension differed much if at all until you get to the R versions.

[hausmeister]

If the shocks/suspension is bad, different tires won't help a lot.
Maybe see if you can get the suspension tested if it is still good.

[Eddystone]

Yes, in both auto and manual configuration. To use the low rpm torque of the turbo better. The NA would require a lot more shifting with the same gearing.

It is most apparent in highway driving when you go up a long hill. Even with the gearing it has, the non-turbo will often downshift from "top gear" in order to maintain speed in a position. I believe that you are right to reference torque, but it is definitely a "more power is better" situation. The turbo can gut out the hills, even at a relatively low rpm. If anyone is choosing between a turbo and non-turbo car, it's relevant that the turbo cars will be a little less strained at good highway speeds and run at a slightly lower rpm than the non-turbo cars. It's not a huge difference (a few hundred rpm) and the non-turbo is still a good highway car, but it is a few hundred rpm and the downshifting can be annoying (even if understandable).

I need to do a well-controlled test and see if the MUCH more powerful T5 gets better highway fuel economy. I suspect that it does.