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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 5:53 AM

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


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#18 of 37
Re: Audi A4 3.2 quattro vs. Infinity G35x vs. Volvo S60R (AWD-geartronic) [swapdriver] by markcincinnati
Feb 27, 2006 (7:17 am)
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Replying to: swapdriver (Feb 26, 2006 7:36 am)

My experiences are about 180 degrees of yours.
 
I am, however, not suggesting that the Japanese cars are unreliable -- only that our 28 Audis and 2 BMWs (both AWD) have been reliable.
 
Expensive to repair out of warranty? Breathtakingly.
 
But, I think this probably describes any car these days.
 
On the other hand there are ceratinly lots of folks who swear by their "fill in the blank" car's reliability.
 
We all want more reliable cars, he said in his best Homer Simpson style.
 
But we also want cars that are rewarding to drive. Test them all, over the same test drive loop. Then test them again.
 
Drive it like you live.
#19 of 37
Re: Audi A4 3.2 quattro vs. Infinity G35x vs. Volvo S60R (AWD-geartronic) [ by kurtamaxxxguy
Mar 29, 2006 (11:33 am)
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Replying to: markcincinnati (Feb 27, 2006 7:17 am)

How much more expensive is "breathtakingly"? Double? Is this all parts related (as another poster suggested)?
 
Perhaps Audi is the ultimate lease car? Drive it 4 years/50K miles and close out/return it once the warranty is gone?
#20 of 37
Re: Audi A4 3.2 quattro vs. Infinity G35x vs. Volvo S60R (AWD-geartronic) [swapdriver] by esf
Apr 12, 2006 (7:02 pm)
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Replying to: swapdriver (Feb 26, 2006 7:36 am)

We've had the complete opposite experience- I've owned three Audis for more than a year each (one was used), and none had problems (except for a minor oil leak).
 
'98 A4 1.8T (we got it four years old for my son's first car)
 
'00 A6 2.7T quattro (our first Audi)
 
'05 S4 Cabriolet (replacing the A6)
 
'06 A3 2.0T FronTrak (this is not AWD, but I've only had it for two months anyway [replaces the A4; my spare car])
 
No problems worth noting... the first week I got my S4, the air con wasn't up to snuff, and Audi not only replaced the system but offered to throw in a free set of 17s for the winter.
#21 of 37
Re: Question on 2006 S60R versus 2005 [quasiactuary] by zheka212
Apr 13, 2006 (7:34 am)
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Replying to: quasiactuary (Feb 14, 2006 1:27 pm)

I second that (and not only because I drive '05 G35x -- previous models had 260 HP, but the '05 and later do have 280). I have test driven the Acura TL (270 HP), Accord (240), Audi 2.0T (the 6 cyl is out of my price range), Jetta and the Volvo (T5 not the R, so I'm sorry if I am making assumptions here).
 
In my experience no other Japaneese, and very few European makers can compare with the pickup of Nissan's VQ engine. The turbo always has somewhat of a lag (we are talking single factory units here), and the other Japaneese and some European makers are too concerned with saving gas -- which is why a 270 HP Acura does not come close to the pickup of my G35. Nissan engines burn gas like there's a hole in every cylinder (I get about 12 MPG with "spirited" city driving), but I am yet to find a car outside the Mercedes S500 league (and this includes the new Mustang GT) that I had trouble keeping up with off the light. I never tried to race an S60R, nor would I say it is not an impressive car, but I still have trouble picturing the Volvo "smoking" and Infiniti without climbing past 60 mph.
#22 of 37
Re: Question on 2006 S60R versus 2005 [zheka212] by jccai1
Apr 13, 2006 (11:58 am)
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Replying to: zheka212 (Apr 13, 2006 7:34 am)

Well, "smoking" is a subjective term, so I can't really argue that point one way or the other. But don't under-estimate the torque from these Volvo turbo engines. I've driven the S60R, and that engine has torque! We have a Volvo with the low end 2.5T engine (208hp), and even it has respectable torque at low RPM.
 
I currently drive an 06 G35 RWD. Despite the 280hp rating, I find the acceleration soft off the line, when compared to the BMW 330Ci I used to own (both are stock with automatic). The G35 has a lot of power above 4000 RPM, but that's not how I normally drive. Maybe it's due to differences in vehicle weight, transmission gearing, tires, whatever. But my guess is that my G35 would lose to my old 330Ci in a stop light race, at least till 50mph.
#23 of 37
Re: Question on 2006 S60R versus 2005 [jccai1] by socaljoe
May 31, 2006 (10:41 pm)
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Replying to: jccai1 (Apr 13, 2006 11:58 am)

It took me a month and half to shop for a car. I test drove the G35x, IS250 AWD (twice, different dealers), and A4 Quattro. I wasn't too impressed of the G35x's interior, I thought it looked like cheap plastic(should be better for a luxury sedan), I think that's something Infiniti needs to work on, but the power was plenty. The IS250 AWD, the interior was really nice, in CA., premium pckg pretty much came as standard and the keyless feature I thought was great. The first test drive of one, we went about a mile and almost drove it back. I just didn't like the way it drove. The road noise was bugging me and it handled like a shopping cart. A couple of days later I test drove another IS250 AWD at another dealership thinking the last I test drove was just a fluke. It turned to be the same, the drive was loud, the body roll when turning, and it didn't feel like it had enough ummph from the engine. I did come close on getting the IS250 AWD, but from the test drive I experience, I couldn't see myself paying over 36k out the door for one. As for the A4 Quattro, the handling was just superb, torque kicked in at low rpm and the turbo lag (it was a 2.0 turbo) was almost non-existant. It was what I ended up driving home, it came with Premium pckg, sunroof, wood trim, 17" wheels and 4yr maintenance service free. The out the door price I got was $37,700
#24 of 37
Re: Question on 2006 S60R versus 2005 [chinky11] by magoon
Jun 12, 2006 (9:00 am)
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Replying to: chinky11 (Feb 13, 2006 7:49 pm)

Your dad is full of BS. The 2004/2005 GT/Auto's were detuned from 295lbs of torque to 258lbs and further detuned to 236lbs in 1st/2nd gears. Volvo claims a 0-60 time of around 7.2 versus the 5.4 of the MT version. For 2006, the new GT/Auto is a 6 speed that can produce the 295 lbs of torque but is still a bit detuned in the early gears as 0-60 is claimed in the low 6's.
#25 of 37
Re: Question on 2006 S60R versus 2005 [magoon] by roy_l
Jul 10, 2006 (5:26 pm)
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Replying to: magoon (Jun 12, 2006 9:00 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 (8:34 pm)
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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 (10:39 am)
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Replying to: dhamilton (Jul 10, 2006 8:34 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.

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