What's the difference between a Volvo 850 and V70 Classic? A look at two P80 Volvo Estates

The Volvo V70 replaced the 850 in 1996/7, but what are the key differences in aesthetics between these two cars? I parked my 850 alongside my V70 for a walkaround video. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[kitvexed]

something to note between the 2 models is the digital odometer update on the 70 series cars.. that is HUGE. every single 850 i've ever owned (7) had a broken odometer gear. i've never had an 850 with TRUE or accurate mileage. the job itself to repair the odometer guarantees broken plastic bits. i hated doing it every time.

[peterscotney]

I have been waiting for a video like this for ages !...I have the same v70 as you, and I too wondered about the actual difference between the 850 n the v70 ?...thanks to you I am now on the hunt for an 850 for that more BOXY look !

[Lifebikescars]

Funny, was literally having the conversion yesterday about the differences between these two. 850 is the one for me!

[napke]

Some of the bigger things you directly see and feel why the V70 classic is better: the tailgate slot is much better, it does close like new after years....the 850 tailgate, well nearly all of them break up. Another big big point is the quality of the plastic used for the rear light near the ones literally fade away, the V70 ones keep their shine and color after many years. The handgrips on the doors are also of better more sturdy quality, the A-style alu-strips near the windshield, the 850 ones the paint does come of a lot, the V70 ones last much much longer. And the list goes on, the V70 classis is the better car, again I love them both ;)

[dubdadmattV]

I've got a 98 V70 SE 2.5. Apparently a new generation 850. It has all the cons including traction control and sports mode. Took it off my old man a few years back after saying "I'll never drive a volvo ..its for old men and its automatic" I was smitten within a week.(must be the fact I was turning 50🤣) What a car.. now my older boys are after it

[Saaketti]

About the fan control switch. Your'e 850 doesn't have ECC. That's why there is no stepless fan control slider as v70 has. Yours 850 is just not equipped with cup holder option.

[KRAZEEIZATION]

I think the V70 MK2 is the pinnacle of the design. The shoulders make it that bit nicer and more refined. My 2004 model will be 20 in October!

[topspoke]

Love a pair of good looking Swedes especially if they've been around the block a few times!

[willburr]

My US 96 850R wagon had the front air dam which yours lacks. It makes a big difference in overall looks. Its black suede leather interior featued the most comfortable driver's seat I've ever experienced.

[scotty]

850's the better looking car IMO! Also the 850 has a more robust dash and interior, V70 MK1 interiors feel cheaper (Ford input?) BTW i own 4 850 wagons, 1 MK1 S70 and 1 MK1 C70 so i can compare the 2, Cheers.

[forresg]

I have v70 2007 57 reg
2.4 D5 geartronic full flush oil change getting done shortly
72k miles Full volvo Service history
Love 5 cylinder diesel sound!!

[frictionstreaker]

Cup holder armrest also sold in 850 option extra on both

[trevorockwell]

My 1997 850R has the same cup holder and arm rest as your V70. I much prefer the 850 to the V70. The turbo versions of the 850 have a factory boost gauge whereas the V70 doesn’t.

[carlfrizell]

The v70 had black plastic trim on the centre console and the glove compartment I changed it for the wood when I had it, the arm rest was tatty and I swapped a better one in with the cup holder and when I sold it she still had the original factory radio in her.

[Kommunisator]

You compared two different trim levels here. The 850 does not have the fully automatic air conditioning, and it also didn't have the cupholder armrest. It seems to be an early model with the "squared off" flat armrest, there was a cupholder version for that one too though - only it had FOUR cupholders - two for the front, and two for the back passengers (to pull out to the rear).
That armrest came from the 700/900 series. The one from the V70 was available in the 850 from the 95 model year onward.

[Backwardlooking]

Volvo invited me to test drive one around North Yorkshire as I’d owned a 855 Estate from new. I considered it more of a White Goods item. No exhaust note, etcetera. Kept my 855 94 and still have it. I’m an Angular Angleman and as a R.H.D. it attracted lots of interest in Sweden which I regularly visited by ferry to Goteborg. V70 Mk 1 doesn’t attract myself at all. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[randomguyfrominterwebster]

thats not classic, only the very late p80 models made in 2000 were classics. same thing with all volvos, classic is trim level available on last modelyear with very good base equipment, for example p80 classics often have electric seats etc.

[grantrowland]

As a 98 v70glt 5 speed converted owner, the 850 looks better. That's just my opinion though, the red 850 looks so good

[matthewwiddows]

Another fact, the 850 columbas alloys came in 2 versions, they rotate in different directions. Look at the rear passenger wheel on the v70.

[Dunkelzeitgeist]

Love it, you sound local to me and also a Volvo fan, maybe I'll see you around! I'm getting an 850 after years of wanting one, very soon. But I'd love a diesel! Cannot find one at all aha