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Audi A4 3.2 quattro vs. Infiniti G35x vs. Volvo S60R (AWD-geartronic)

37 messages,  Last post on Jul 27, 2009 at 6:53 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Volvo S60 R, Sedan

Messages Page 4 of 5

#25 of 37 Re: Question on 2006 S60R versus 2005 [magoon] by roy_l

Jul 10, 2006 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: magoon (Jun 12, 2006 10:00 am)
Okay, I feel I must defend Volvo.
 
Background:
I have owned Japanese, German, and Swedish (Saab). My experiences included an '85 Honda Civic, an '88 Saab 9000, a '92 Volkswagen Passat, a '90 Toyota Corolla, an '85 BMW 635csi, a '94 Infiniti J30, an '01 Audi TT, an '00 Audi A6 2.8.
 
First of all, the Infiniti J30 has easily been the most expensive automobile in terms of maintenance that I have EVER owned. The Saab suprisingly was relatively troublefree. At 90k miles, the tranny died, and I replaced it through a reliable mechanic for $5k. At 80k, I had to replace the timing belt for ~$600. On three seperate occasions, spaced about 10k miles apart around the 100k mark, my injectors died. Replacing those was $500 each time (labor intensive). And as for the interior... I ran into a suprising problem with my leather seats. They shrunk on the pasenger side making the seat very hard. In addition, the sunroof regulator wore out, and the cd player began to skip after the first year... Needless to say, I will not purchase an Infiniti again anytime soon.
 
With my 635csi, my 2.8, and TT, all problems have been mild in comparision. For instance, a quarter of my 2.8's LCD trip computer screen has died. Another problem includes the blower fan was sticking on high at around 50k miles. That was covered under warranty.
 
The TT (it has 70k miles) and the 635csi (aside from the A/C's compressor dying at 80k miles and the recaro seat gears stripping) have been bulletproof.
 
These cars are admittedly are more expensive, but with proper maintenance, they will last. I am certain the parts are more expensive than a japanese car, but I actually have been fortunate enough to bring my cars in.
 
I truly feel I purchased a lemon with the J30, but that doesn't affect the cost of the parts. They were much more expensive than I anticipated. I have since learned through feedback from a few friend/ mechanics that Nissan parts are the most expensive of all Japanese auto manufacturers. Just look it up on Autozone....
 
I will give credit where it's due, however. The most inexpensive, troublefree cars I have experienced were the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
 
________________________________
 
Now for my Volvo defense.
 
The stiffest fastest car I have ever ridden in is my college friend's 1996 Volvo T5-R. It was VERY torquey. My girlfriend drives an Infiniti G35 Coupe. The first time I drove it, I was unimpressed for a 'sports car'. It was a bit soft. The T5-R felt much tighter and I clearly remember my head being pulled against the headrest. My friend, who I'll admit is a little nuts, says his T5-R felt very stable when he reached and cruised for a few miles 160+ mph in Nevada.
 
I am convinced that the current S60R would drive similar to the T5-R. If it does, I believe it might actually pull away from a G35 (especially the G35x). Now... against a turbo'ed G35, I do have my doubts... But do understand and acknowledge, these Volvos are quick.
 
Cheers.
 
BTW, is it me or does the interior of the G35 already feel dated?

#26 of 37 fwiw by dhamilton

Jul 10, 2006 (9:34 pm)

I have driven extensively my good friends s60r. It is a very nice car but feels as loose as a goose compared to any Audi/ BMW. The engine is very torquey and responsive however, I just don't like how it feels.
 Great seats as is the norm for Volvo

#27 of 37 Re: fwiw [dhamilton] by markcincinnati

Aug 04, 2006 (11:39 am)

Replying to: dhamilton (Jul 10, 2006 9:34 pm)
The engine, too, has the habit of backfiring -- which just doesn't seem right in a car in this class.
 
But I thought the S60 type R was a very impressive car otherwise. It did, however, seem outclassed by the fresher cars from Germany.

#28 of 37 I went by dhamilton

Aug 04, 2006 (5:02 pm)

in today for service on my wifes fx [the service has been outstanding so far] and they tossed me the keys to a barely used G35. I have written in the past that I thought this cars useable tourque to high for me. Well I still think that, but boy was it fun without a 380lb ex football playing salesman next to me. Ya just have to keep it on boil so to speak. I still have my sights on that S4 but I must admit that the new 335 sounds enticing.

#29 of 37 Re: G35x by audeng1

Oct 14, 2006 (7:53 am)

Replying to: dhamilton (Aug 04, 2006 5:02 pm)
Recently purchased a 2004 G35x and am very happy with it so far. I purchased a extended warranty to 5 years/ 100,000 miles just in case. Came from a 1999 C230 Kompressor sedan that was bulletproof - no major repairs required in the 68,000 miles put on it. I would have stayed with MBZ if it weren't for the bad reliability press they have been getting on the recent stuff.

#30 of 37 S60R - a Volvo Dealer's view by alltorque

Jun 11, 2007 (10:31 am)

Was recently looking at buying a nearly-new Volvo S60R (AWD) but my local Volvo dealer advised the T5 or D5 instead. He said, and I quote, "The maintenance costs for the S60R could cripple you". When a main dealer says something like that I tend to take notice. Search is now on for a suitable S60 T5 or D5 SE Auto or a Jaguar S-type 2.7 SE twin-turbo diesel................once I can bring myself to part with my beloved Skoda Fabia vRS 130bhp TDi pocket-rocket.

#31 of 37 Re: Audi A4 3.2 quattro vs. Infinity G35x vs. Volvo S60R (AWD-geartronic) [ by cretinx

Jun 13, 2007 (6:55 pm)

Replying to: agsastar (Jul 24, 2005 10:50 am)
The G35x only comes in automatic - that alone was enough for me to cross it off my list.
 
S60R's AWD is merely haldex - this means it runs FWD all the time, and then if wheels slip, it goes up to 50% to the rear wheels.
 
The Audi Quattro system is a full 40% front/60% rear split, and can apportion up to 100% to either front or rear as needed
 
ALSO - The Quattro system is TorSen (Torque Sensing) - this means that it detects wheel torque, not wheelspin, when apportioning power - as a result, the other systems may spin before power is transferred, whereas the Audi's power is transferred instantly.
 
Therefore - the Audi is a superior vehicle if your main focus is AWD grip - just remember, AWD doesn't help you stop!

#32 of 37 Re: Audi A4 3.2 quattro vs. Infinity G35x vs. Volvo S60R (AWD-geartronic) [ [cretinx] by leskapaul

Jun 15, 2007 (7:53 am)

Replying to: cretinx (Jun 13, 2007 6:55 pm)
I purchased a 2.0T A4 Quattro about 6 months ago and couldn't be happier with my choice. A manual transmission was a requirement for me, so as the above poster said that crossed several of the other options off the list. Granted the G35 does have more grunt, I didn't feel it was so much to overwhelm all the other disadvantages. The Audi interior feels flat out superior. The 2.0T with Quattro is more than capable of catching a policeman's eye from a hundred yards away -- and getting the driver a ticket. And what is most lovely these days is the fact that in a 10 minute (city) drive I can stomp on the pedal a couple of times and still come out with over 25mpg.
 
Loving my first Audi

#33 of 37 Re: S60R - a Volvo Dealer's view [alltorque] by rallyfan

Jun 16, 2007 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: alltorque (Jun 11, 2007 10:31 am)
WHERE DOES ONE LIVE THAT CAN BUY A SKODA APPARENTLY NOT IN THE US OF A LUCKY YOU

#34 of 37 Re: S60R - a Volvo Dealer's view [rallyfan] by alltorque

Jun 17, 2007 (4:01 am)

Replying to: rallyfan (Jun 16, 2007 2:55 pm)
No, not in USA. I live in the U.K. and Skoda are available in Europe, but not outside the EU, as far as I know. Feel sorry for you guys, but then again, your cars are miles cheaper than ours, as is your fuel - we currently pay circa equiv $7 per US Gallon for gas or diesel.............which is why diesels are so popular.
 
In terms of customer satisfaction, Skoda rank right up there with Lexus, Honda and Toyota and light years ahead of Mercedes etc, (JD POwer 2006).
 
Skoda UK homepage is here. Have a browse.
 
www.skoda.co.uk/skoda3g/survey.aspx
 
The orange Fabia pic is taken from the current TV ad - shows a new Fabia being made from all sorts of confectionery. Kinda cool. Take a look at the Skoda Octavia vRS - saloon or estate, petrol or diesel, all 6-spd manual. Cool car and based on current Golf chassis etc.

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