Back in 2002 I was a proud owner of a 1996 Volvo 855 T5 'S' spec. Power was rated at 225bhp. I added a few extra mods, like Strut brace, dump valve, 17" Wheels, Stainless Steel Exhaust, Induction kit, MBC, to name a few. The Transmission was a manual, and felt very responsive, without TRACS, but as a result suffered with terrible wheel spin from low speeds. It also was very heavy on front tyre wear, more so on the outer edges. The car was quick, and made all the right noises, but was a little nervous under hard acceleration. The suspension set up was standard, with the addition of a front strut brace, which improoved the situation, but did not eradicate the problem.
Early this year I took delivery of a Volvo 854 R, Auto version.
At first I was a little dissapointed that this fab car was an auto, but now having owned it for a while, I have got a different opionion of the car.
The power delivery is a great deal smoother, and less brutal, but as the car is rated at 240bhp (with it being the R, and Auto- manual's are 250bhp) the car although is quick, some how does not feel as quick as the old car. Whether this is all in the mind, or if it the fact that this car is auto, I'm not sure. On the plus side, the car handles better (I know it has better Suspension than the T5), less tyre wear, less torque steer, and with no strut brace fitted.
I personally think the ride height, and looks of the R is lots better than the T5and with more toys fitted as standard like TRACS, Climate Air con, Electric memory seats, etc...
My only question is what would a Manual R be like , compaired to an Auto?
I now like the Auto-switchable box, ease of driving style, intelligent Cruise control on long journey's, effortless power delivery, less tyre wear.
But in the same breath miss the raw power and acceleration, noise of the Stainless Exhaust, dump valve working in harmony!!!
What's your views??????
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