V70 Mk1 vs 850

[JamesT5]

Hi

This is a silly question, but to me the 850 and the mk1 V70 look almost identical.

What is the actual difference between the 2 because I can't see a lot of difference between the 2 models, although I'm sure updated electronics, refined handling and a revised dash probably top the list.

Any other differences?

Regards

James

[T5frankie]

headlights, grill, bonnet, wings, interiors, ignition system well most of the electrical system

[JamesT5]

headlights, grill, bonnet, wings, interiors, ignition system well most of the electrical system

In other words it's in essence a mk2 850 but badged up 'V70'.

[JamesT5]

The back end looks virtually identical as do the sides.

[T5frankie]

In other words it's in essence a mk2 850 but badged up 'V70'.

yes mate not alot of difference, most people on here prefer 850's

[T5frankie]

oh and colour coded bumpers and door handles lol

[p fandango]

The back end looks virtually identical as do the sides.

the rears so similar that the rear lights swop over, think even tailgates fit

[daza-b]

from what i have been told you can turn the exterior of an 850 into a v70? sure duane will put me straight on this one lol

[JamesT5]

the rears so similar that the rear lights swop over, think even tailgates fit

As I said then a mk2 850 under a new name. Obviously intended by Volvo to be a tactical 'transition' model so that the name V70 was established before a completely new design was launched. Clever stuff!

[p fandango]

from what i have been told you can turn the exterior of an 850 into a v70? sure duane will put me straight on this one lol

has been done a few times, but think it requires some metal work modifying the front inner wings

[JamesT5]

from what i have been told you can turn the exterior of an 850 into a v70? sure duane will put me straight on this one lol

LMAO! In other words, other than the reason I stated previously, what was the point on Volvo developing the V70 P1 in the first place? It was just a name change really with a few mods to justify the new badge.

[daza-b]

To be honest its probably more to do with keeping up with times, its like all manufacturers really, the vectra is just a cavalier, the transit connect is a fiesta courier etc etc, its all updating really and just another way of creating jobs for people and money for pockets, its like i find the V70 more appealing to the 850 tbh

[960kg]

You are better off saying the 850 is more of a basic Volvo.

In the V70 phase 1 series there are literally hundreds of changes ones which owners would never ever think of. Yes, it is a facelift but not just a few mere changes to justify the new badge.

I have just been reading all the differences and it took me ages. It is all listed in Vadis even things such as the cables on the electric motors for the seats movement back and forth but the have been done away with and are now direct drive. the cables are still used on the back rest but now they have a newly designed motor. The list goes on.

A much more variety of engines also and with more power than the 850 as standard. Reinforced pistons and ring package for the B5234T3 engine

New steering column, pedal box, dash, door panels, three levels of hi fi systems, three new lock systems, three new Climate Control Systems, new seats, new alarm, new ignition switch, new parcel shelf, Console, OBD system, Trip Computer it goes on and on and on and on..................

I have owned both and my 1994 850T5 was a fairly quick but basic motor.

The phase 1 V70 is certainly a more refined motor as i suppose the later V70 is to the earlier one!

[mitchyboy01]

Why are the v70s supposedly a lot heavier, hence the 850s being preferred on the quarter mile?