S/V90 General Info Needed

[Jaywalker]

Would someone point me to a good description of the '97-'98 S/V90 series, please? I'm told by this board and others that a RWD would be easier to begin to learn wrenching, and there does seem to be a lot of good advice available. (I haven't seen many V-90s for sale, though...)

What changed from the 940?

What are the advantages of searching for a harder-to-find 90 with an inline five, maybe, compared to a 940?

[billofdurham]

These links will get you the spec sheets for both S & V90s.
https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... 8_S90.html
https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... 8_V90.html

The 90 series was actually the 960 rebadged to fall in line with Volvo's model designation change. The 940 had nothing to do with this.

The 960 and S/V90 have straight 6 2.9 litre engines, not straight 5.

The 940 production for the US market ended in 1995, although it was still available in other countries until 1998. It had a straight 4 2.3 litre engine which could also be turbocharged.

I hope this has cleared up some of the confusion about the S/V90. As for being "easier to begin to learn wrenching" I do think RWD is the better choice but you also have to take into account that these cars have many electronic parts on them which can be impossible for the DIY mechanic to repair. The older 940 is not so sophisticated and most repairs can be carried out by DIY methods. However, they are older, will probably have many more miles on them and may need more attention to keep them running.

Bill.

[Jaywalker]

Bill,

Thank you, yes, it does clear up some of my misconceptions. I thought the 940 went to '98 in the US, and also believed the inline five was available on the 90.

I have no expectation of handling all the repair issues that arise for either of the two models, but I'd like to attempt repairs, both so I can learn what's going on and to save a bit of cash. I can't with today's cars, and though we have a '98 Ford Explorer (151k miles), I can't repair that either due to an obscene lack of accessability to the engine bay. (I'm ready to try to replace the upper control arms - accessible through the wheel well - but they obstinately refuse to wear out.)

It's probably a moot point anyway, as I don't see enough of the 90-series for sale to worry seriously about buying one.

Thanks.

[billofdurham]

You could also look for a 960 which is the same car. They were produced until 1997 then became the S/V90 in the same year.

Bill.