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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16249 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 9:27 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 668 of 1626

#6663 of 16249 Re: kdshapiro [rockylee] by kdshapiro

Nov 26, 2006 (7:13 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Nov 26, 2006 12:47 am)
The guildeline seems to be the manufacturer builds luxury cars, ultra-luxury and exotics are excluded. The high-end sedan S80 does not compete with high-end offerings from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus although, you could argue it competes with the RL and the M45. Having said that you can compare the options of the S80 with the RL and M45. For 300 hp it's a lot more expensive than then 335, which is not a luxury vehicle. If the S80 is included in the group, it is the most expensive vehicle here and the top of the line for Volvo, while these other cars are the bottom of the line for the other manufacturers.
 
I don't think anyone will seriously compare the S80 against the 550, at least in terms of performance. Maybe the S80 compares against the new 2008 600hp CTSV?

#6665 of 16249 Re: Volvo and Saab [dewey] by kdshapiro

Nov 26, 2006 (11:11 am)

"Volvos and Saabs used to famous for being enviormentally friendly companies. Such a green reputation has gone down the toilet with V8 Volvo and Saab SUVs."
 
Being environmentally friendly involves both manufacturing process and type of vehicle. BMW for one, is involved with both.

#6666 of 16249 Re: Volvo and Saab [kdshapiro] by dewey

Nov 26, 2006 (11:19 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Nov 26, 2006 11:11 am)
Sorry KDShaprio,
 
I deleted that post.
 
My initial point was that Volvo and Saab have both lost their reputations as environmentally friendly companies to Honda and Toyota.
 
Volvo and Saab have lost their reputations of producing the safest premium priced cars to Audi.
 
And in terms of performance/handling as far as I can recall both these Swedish marques never stood out as the best.
 
If Volvo and Saab want to stand out in the marketplace they at least have to be the best in something.
 
I still can recall my fond memories of driving a 82 Volvo GLT sedan. It also most likely saved the life of my parents and myself when we were in a nasty highway accident almost a quarter of a century ago.

#6667 of 16249 Well.. by plekto

Nov 27, 2006 (12:04 am)

I remember a few rides in a friend's Volvo 240 Turbo and it was plenty fast.
 
Look - the S60 isn't a top-end puxury car, but we are talking entry-level here. Compared to anything else under $30K, it offers a good, well-balanced package. Yes, compared to a Buick, it's "sporty" - but then again, at $25-6K(depending on the engine choice)for a 2006, it comes in way WAY under the price of a C class or 3 series or anything Lexus makes.

#6668 of 16249 Saab & Volvo by fedlawman

Nov 27, 2006 (12:52 am)

"If Volvo and Saab want to stand out in the marketplace they at least have to be the best in something."
 
Saab's are "born from jets." That's gotta count for something...
 
"Compared to anything else under $30K, it offers a good, well-balanced package."
 
MSRP on a Volvo S60 is over $30,000. MSRP on a Honda Accord V6 is $25,000. The Volvo has a 40 HP deficit, requires premium fuel, has a less sophisticated suspension (McPherson struts), 16" wheels (vs Accord 17's), and lacks Stability Control (optional on Volvo, standard on Accord). The Honda also has the advantage of better predicted reliability and better resale.
 
What exactly does the Volvo S60 offer that makes it more attractive than the Accord?
 
Edit: Yes, I know about incentives on 2006 Volvo models. S60 invoice is $28,800 minus $5000 dealer cash equals $23,800. 2006 Accord LX-V6 invoice is $22,600 minus $750 dealer cash equals $21,850 - still $2000 cheaper than the Volvo.

#6669 of 16249 Re: Saab & Volvo [fedlawman] by circlew

Nov 27, 2006 (5:17 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Nov 27, 2006 12:52 am)
Volvo does not concentrate on the "Sport" nature in its cars save the turbos. Most of the models are underpowered.
 
But for safety, they are Number 1. That's has been their focus. As competition rises in the Safety field, Volvo looses some of their market edge and where performance sedans are concerned, the brand does not breed the emotion and excitement in it's offerings, IMO.
 
Saab NEVER appealed to me so I would not even have an opinion.
 
Regards,
OW

#6670 of 16249 Re: kdshapiro [kdshapiro] by rockylee

Nov 27, 2006 (6:43 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Nov 26, 2006 7:13 am)
Well I look at the new S80, this way. It does compete with not only the M45, RL, but it also competes with the Cadillac STS, Audi 6/8, and maybe a Lexus LS ? The S80, definitely is a luxury car IMHO.
 
Rocky

#6671 of 16249 Re: Well.. [plekto] by louiswei

Nov 27, 2006 (7:52 am)

Replying to: plekto (Nov 27, 2006 12:04 am)
Compared to anything else under $30K, it offers a good, well-balanced package.
 
Exactly...but why are you comparing it to anything UNDER $30K? How many of the cars listed above come under $30K?
 
Personally I'd put the S60 in the same category as the Saab 9-3 and VW Passat. These cars are not truly entry-lux but a bit above the mid-size sedan class. They are truly in a class of their own.

#6672 of 16249 Re: kdshapiro [rockylee] by louiswei

Nov 27, 2006 (7:58 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Nov 27, 2006 6:43 am)
I can see that the new S80 compares to the M, RL, GS or maybe even the 5er and E-class. But Audi A8 and LS? You've gotta be kidding me...
 
Rocky, have you seen the new A8 and LS? If you haven't please go take a look and come back and tell us that the S80 is in the same class.

Messages Page 668 of 1626

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