I've had a 740 wagon for many years. Great car. I've only had two cars, Volvos, in the last 25 years! So I'm hooked. Ready to get another one. I've been drawn to the XC70 but have no experience with it. Thinking of getting 04-05 model. How do the XCs compare with the v70 models? Besides 4wd, any advantages? How does the front wheel drive v70s do in the ice and snow? My old one with rear wheel drive is a disaster in the snow in this hilly city!

Any advice on the differences in choosing between 04, 05 models, besides cost?

Thanks,

Travis

 

I can tell you that the 03 XC70 that my father has did great in the snow and ice this past year. Also if you didn't know it, the AWD systems on our Volvo's cut out at 30mph+. So after 30mph it is all FWD. Now I know that is the case for my 1999 s70 awd. I think it applies to all AWD models all years. If I am wrong someone please correct me.

My 1995 850 N/A sedan did well in the snow and ice so I am sure the v70 wagons would be the same or close to it.

 

Hi Travis, Welcome to the forum.

I really can't comment on the newer ones, but my 99 V70 is the best car I've owned. Here in Massachusalts, it is great in the snow and not a speck of rust. (I'm sure AWD would be better,but I haven't been stuck yet and there seems to be a few problems with the drive axle.) I can count the repairs I've done on one hand. I'd buy another, but this one keeps on going.


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All the recent Volvo's I have owned have been FWD and I use all season radial tires. Never been stuck, but if it's real bad out, I stay home until the roads are cleared enough for me to get out. My driveway is up hill and I've only not made it up the driveway once in five years. I think it was because the snow had drifted over pretty deep. I really don't see the need for 4WD, and I like to drive in snow. I'm with JPN though, I actually prefer RWD so I get some good spin outs when I'm playing around in parking lots.

 

Drove an XC 70 when my S60 was in the shop. If I was looking at a wagon the XC 70 would be at the top of my list.

 

I have an 06 V-70 wagon and here in NY we are azz deep in snow this winter. I put Dunlop winter tires on the car and the car has been a pleasure to drive this winter. The traction control works very well and keeps you going where you point it. I drove through 7" of fresh snow the other morning and never slipped a wheel,

My &%$damn F150 on the other hand went 20 feet and slid off the circle in my driveway and got stuck