the R has better bodykit, wheels, and interior options its worth paying the extra because the regular T5's look shite
suspension is also different, along with many other things including embroidered R carpet mats, different coloured clocks/dials, best to sign up to www.vpcuk.org for the full information!!!
my info is based on V70's as ive never really looked at the 850's.

get a V70R matey, much more refined than the 850's

here is my old one (this was a FWD model):








such good value for money, id definitely get another one without a doubt!!!

this was my 3rd R, the 2 previous being one Saffron S70R and one Regent Red V70R excellent cars, i have nothing bad to say about them!!!

phase 1 V70R came in a FWD version (240BHP) & AWD version (250BHP with bigger 19T turbo + more), all phase 2 V70R's are AWD (300BHP )