I have had most every model of Volvo from the 122 to the XC70.
It is much safer to have an accident in a newer Volvo but that means the
Volvo will sustain more damage. That is the nature of the animal.
Each model had it's problems. I had a 240 that had a soft cam. I had
another 240 that had transmission problems after 120K miles. I also had
an 850 that had transmission problems after 120K miles. I would never
want to give up my 850 or V70 to go back to one of the 240s. The FWD
models are much better built and have low emissions by design, not by
bandaid.
The handling of the FWD Volvos is much more precise than the RWD Volvos.
The RWD Volvos were fun to drive, but the body lean was out of control.
I was lucky and never got one of the buggy Volvos. I also haven't heard
of those problems showing up on the FWD models.
I have driven many other makes of vehicle and haven't found anything I
would want. My idea of a perfect car is one with geartronic and no
leather and no sunroof. My 1800E was the most fun to drive, but the 850
comes close and is a much better vehicle. The 1800E had severe rust
problems and was always having fuel leaks.
I do have a pet peeve:
I wish the cruise in my '95 850 was as good as the cruise in the '93 850
or '01 XC70.
