10 replies to this topic

[mrfinortner]

Two questions:


1)
Is the Sportwagon a European version of the 850?


2)
Is there any way to know whether a sportwagon is a turbo or not? Did volvo make any
sportwagons that had the same specs as the R model in 1996?


Thanks!

[betterthingstodo]

2)
Is there any way to know whether a sportwagon is a turbo or not?

Are you not able to pop the hood on the vehicle in question?

[Oreo931]

I've never been quite certain about the sportwagon models, but I do know that they were available in the US (because I've seen them before). I also know that some sportwagon 850's are turbocharged, while others were not turbocharged. The sportwagon models that were not turbocharged were usually GLTs so they came with a nicer package (i.e. leather, sunroof, premium sound, etc)

I cant remember if the 850 "sportwagons" had other badging on them as far as whether they were turbocharged or not. You should probably just pop the hood and check, thats the easiest way.

I do not believe it has ever had the same specs as the R model. The R models were known for their usually bigger and or different wheels, different front bumper and side skirts, usually rare or unique paint, suede/leather interiors and their ECU's were mapped for more boost.

[mrfinortner]

Thanks very much. I cannot pop the hood, I just saw one for sale. I was interested to know what the possible configurations where.

I think you are right about the SW not having the R specs, mainly because of that mean bumper the R has. The SW does not.


Much thanks and a merry christmas

[tca217]

I have a Sportwagon (1994) it is a N/A with a automatic trans. I asked one of the mechs at the VOCCA meet at the Volvo dealer in Covina what the difference was between the Sportwagon and other wagons and he told me that it had more of a "tuned" suspension for a sporty type of feel and a bit stiffer ride. I have never owned any other Volvos so I don't know if that is the truth or not. All I know is that my car handles the curves and mountain roads without very much lean and feels very stable. As far as a turbo or not was offered, no idea. I do know that the Sportwagon seems to be worth more than he GLT wagon according to the want ads. Hopes this helps a bit.

[JC 855 GLT-R]

my glt is a sport wagon, at least thats what the insurance company told me.

[erikv11]

I looked into this question extensively when I bought my Volvo.

The difference between the Sportwagon and other models is the little plastic badge.

That is all.

It was entirely a marketing gimmick, especially popular in the Northeast US.

[renns]

Interesting thread. We recently added a '94 850 SportsWagon (non-turbo) to the stable, and I'd often wondered the significance of the label. Although a fine car in many way, the 'Sports' label seems to be stretching it a bit IMO.

[mbsl98]

It may be a bit of a stretch today, but back in the day, the '94-'95 turbo wagons were always cited as the sportiest 'wagons" available, among the fastest four door production cars available, wagon or not. BMW's 5 series and MB's E320 were no match for performance, and nobody else had anything close.

[tca217]

I looked into this question extensively when I bought my Volvo.

The difference between the Sportwagon and other models is the little plastic badge.

That is all.

It was entirely a marketing gimmick, especially popular in the Northeast US.

After reading this, I have to ask a question. ... after hearing you say that there was nothing specific about a "Sportwagon" compared to a regular 855, I also started asking questions. I went to Power Volvo by my house in So. Cal. and talked to the lead service guy, I went to the Volvo Dealer in Los Angeles and asked the same thing and also stopped by this indie shop by my house that is run and operated by the people who made these cars, and they have been in business for over 25 years and I got the same answer from ALL of them. It was not a "marketing" gimmick as you say but was actually a TRUE sport suspension package and was rare to boot. Only a few were made compared to the regular 855's. So I would tend to believe them because I was not there to get any parts or service at any of the shops, just stopped by to ask a question. Why would they all lie? Something to think about.

[Seagrams]

I have a Sportwagon (1994) it is a N/A with a automatic trans. I asked one of the mechs at the VOCCA meet at the Volvo dealer in Covina what the difference was between the Sportwagon and other wagons and he told me that it had more of a "tuned" suspension for a sporty type of feel and a bit stiffer ride. I have never owned any other Volvos so I don't know if that is the truth or not. All I know is that my car handles the curves and mountain roads without very much lean and feels very stable. As far as a turbo or not was offered, no idea. I do know that the Sportwagon seems to be worth more than he GLT wagon according to the want ads. Hopes this helps a bit.

a buddy of mine has a 94 turbo 855 sportswagon, so it seems it was offered as a sport suspension upgrade on both NA and Turbocharged models.