XC70: Suspension V70 or XC70 for comfort ?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

One of, if not the most comfortable cars I've ever owned was a 996. Not because it was massively softly sprung - in absolute terms it's medium-firm, but because everything was so very well controlled, and there wasn't the out of phase pitching that bumpy roads can set up in the XC70, which is rather like a boat at sea on occasion.

But could it carry 4 passengers and an armchair?

[george57l]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

But could it carry 4 passengers and an armchair?

But could it carry 4 passengers IN armchairs? ;-)

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

But could it carry 4 passengers and an armchair?

Depends how big a chair, but the 4 people, no problem. Surprisingly commodious.

[apersson850]

I drove the same trip, total length 1000 km, with my own XC70 (Nivomat) and a rental XC60 within a month. The XC70 was surprisingly more comfortable and stable on the road. The XC60 was jumping around over potholes in comparison.

[Ant B]

Originally Posted by irondonkey

Is there a real difference between the V70 and XC70 suspension or it it simply jacked up to give more clearance ?
I loved my V70 but wondered if the XC70 is more comfortable on bumpy B roads and tracks ?

Yes, it will likely be more comfortable (slightly higher driving position, more clearance, should absorb bumps better etc.) but it won’t be night-and-day difference (eg we’re not comparing a Range Rover to a Porsche 911 here, it’s essentially the same car with a couple of inches extra ground clearance / different spring rates).

A bigger difference may actually be suspension component age / condition; a V70 on fresh springs, shocks, bushes, top mounts etc. may well be more compliant and hence ride better than an XC70 on 10-year-old, 150,000 mile shagged suspension...

Originally Posted by volvoski

Wiallowy isn’t a fair description for an XC70. They corner bloody good for a big car.

In isolation the V70 / XC70 are ok, but in comparison to other similar sized cars (say VW Passat, Audi A6 and their ‘Allroad’-type equivalents) the Volvos are definitely tuned more on comfort than handling, they’re softer and wallow more (hence are more comfortable).

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

One of, if not the most comfortable cars I've ever owned was a 996.

I miss my 996. Still hoping to buy it back one day!

[Bonefishblues]

What we've learned is that we all have different definitions of comfort

[Ant B]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

What we've learned is that we all have different definitions of comfort

...and that there is some degree of love for 996s on here!!

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by apersson850

I drove the same trip, total length 1000 km, with my own XC70 (Nivomat) and a rental XC60 within a month. The XC70 was surprisingly more comfortable and stable on the road. The XC60 was jumping around over potholes in comparison.

Was the XC60 an R Design? Most rentals are, the suspension is stiffer. That said, my MY15 XC60 is a harsher ride than my 08 XC70 was.

[volvoski]

Are we referring to 996 meaning the Porsche? Four people in comfort? Barely two people in comfort in one of those.......

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by volvoski

Are we referring to 996 meaning the Porsche? Four people in comfort? Barely two people in comfort in one of those.......

Question posed was:
But could it carry 4 passengers and an armchair?

You added comfort

...although I carried 4 people on short journeys on several occasions.

Sometimes I had the hood down, which helped with headroom, too