I am completely new to fixing or tuning a Volvo (or any car at that honestly), but I have decided to take a new hobby, so I need help deciding which car would be better, and maybe some pointers on how to tune the car to make it sportier/faster/customized.
1st Car- 2003 S80 2.9 with 117k mi. vs. 2nd Car-2004 S60 2.5T AWD with 100k (both are automatics)

I would be interested in putting aftermarket parts into my car slowly, as I am a college student, but overall which would be better for the long run?

Here are a few personal factors that I have to keep in mind: I live in Colorado so there is plenty of snow in the winter and I like to snowboard so I will be driving in rough conditions through the mountains, and I will be doing some commuting on hwy 3-4 days out of the week.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

I would say none of those 2. Rather go for a S60 T5 2005 model upwards if U can, 2005 model and later got some revised internals same as S60R. S60R if U can.

 

+1 With Kuda.

 

What about a 2002 s60 T5? I'm looking for used cars so of course I'm limited

 

That is still better than a LPT or a heavy S80. Keeping in mind you plan some upgrades so the other will probably make you search for something better.

2002 T5 deliver slightly less than the 2005 t5 upwards. Various posts everywhere with the differences. Still a great car.

 

If you plan to mod then the N/A s80 is not the car for you. The 2.5T will take some mods and is AWD so it will be better in the winter for sure. If those are the two you are looking at then definitely get the s60.

The t5 will be faster of course.

 

'02 Models are known to have tranny problems.

 

...what about the transmissions in '03's ...I'm thinking about picking up an 03 with 60K on it...but I'm new to Volvo...so I'm in here to read up on 'em...
**I don't mean to hi-jack this thread...just trying to get knowledge...cheers.