Subaru WRX STi vs Volvo S60R
05-30-2003, 08:23 AM
#1
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Subaru WRX STi vs Volvo S60R
Hi all, I am new to this forum and would appreciate some input on which car I should purchase. Currently I am considering 2 cars. The Volvo is a new high performance version of their entry-luxury car and the other is of course the beast from the east (read STi). I live in Edmonton, Canada and the difference in price will be $13,000. They are different cars in that one is meant to be a luxury high performance while the other is rally inspired pure performance. My main concern is reliability of the STi as a daily driver. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
Volvo vs STi
$65k (drive away) vs $52k (drive away)
300 bhp vs 300bhp
295 lbs ft torque vs 300 lbs ft torque
AWD vs AWD
larger, more room sedan vs compact sedan
6 spd manual vs 6 spd manual
0-100 km/h in 5.4sec vs 0-100 km/h in 4.8sec
luxury sedan vs proven rally heritage
Cheers,
fungwunVolvo STi
Volvo vs STi
$65k (drive away) vs $52k (drive away)
300 bhp vs 300bhp
295 lbs ft torque vs 300 lbs ft torque
AWD vs AWD
larger, more room sedan vs compact sedan
6 spd manual vs 6 spd manual
0-100 km/h in 5.4sec vs 0-100 km/h in 4.8sec
luxury sedan vs proven rally heritage
Cheers,
fungwunVolvo STi
05-30-2003, 11:59 AM
#2
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I don't understand peoples concern with the dependability/reliability of the STi as a daily driver. I doubt a car manufacturer would produce a car that wouldn't last the "daily grind", lets be realistic. . .. The decision is yours, so pick. Sounds like a nice Volvo . .. Although Volvo doesn't have a reputation for "street cars" like Subaru does (Impreza). If it's worth 10k more, get the volvo. .... I doubt it is though, for that price I'd get a M3.
05-30-2003, 05:09 PM
#3
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Thanx for you post, I have the same feeling as you when it comes to street credibility but I am at a point in my life where I would perhaps prefer some luxury along with performance. There is no doubt the the STi is significantly more fun to drive. I guess I will wait for some credible reviews of the volvo b4 proceeding.
One other question, does anyone know if there will be additional colors coming out for the STi?
Cheers again,
fungwun
One other question, does anyone know if there will be additional colors coming out for the STi?
Cheers again,
fungwun
05-30-2003, 05:11 PM
#4
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Oh sorry, I forgot to add that here in Canada a base M3 goes for $73,000+ w/o tax and tag so after I add a few things and tax I am looking at ~$82,000. So I guess if I look at it that way the volvo would still be a cheaper buy.
05-31-2003, 09:04 AM
#5
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I currently own a WRX (2 yrs/24,000 miles), and have owned a number of Volvo's in the past. As far as "build quality" goes, I have to say that the Volvo is much more solid than the WRX.
I'm beginning to experience all kinds of little rattles and minor malfunctions in my WRX after just 2 years of daily driving. The Volvo's I've owned, however, are real solid/tough cars. I've no doubt that the Subaru engine will last a long long time, but all the little things are likely to come unwound faster in the Subaru than in the Volvo.
Also, paint jobs are worlds apart. Subaru paint is terrible, very very thin. Volvo metallic paint is excellent.
I love my WRX, but it is not luxury and I don't think the STI is either. Like I said, I expect the engines in both cars to last "forever", but the little things worry about the Subaru.
I'm beginning to experience all kinds of little rattles and minor malfunctions in my WRX after just 2 years of daily driving. The Volvo's I've owned, however, are real solid/tough cars. I've no doubt that the Subaru engine will last a long long time, but all the little things are likely to come unwound faster in the Subaru than in the Volvo.
Also, paint jobs are worlds apart. Subaru paint is terrible, very very thin. Volvo metallic paint is excellent.
I love my WRX, but it is not luxury and I don't think the STI is either. Like I said, I expect the engines in both cars to last "forever", but the little things worry about the Subaru.
05-31-2003, 05:13 PM
#6
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Whipsaw:
Thanx for the reply, it helps hearing from someone who has experienced both vehicles and can give opinions on both brands. I love the subaru, have always wanted an STi but like you said the build quality is quite different. I am most likely going to wait a while to see long term reviews of both before plunging.
Cheers again,
fungwun
Thanx for the reply, it helps hearing from someone who has experienced both vehicles and can give opinions on both brands. I love the subaru, have always wanted an STi but like you said the build quality is quite different. I am most likely going to wait a while to see long term reviews of both before plunging.
Cheers again,
fungwun
05-31-2003, 08:17 PM
#7
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Fungwun,
When was the last time you bought a Volvo new?
Let me rephrase, what is the newest MY Volvo you have owned?
The reason I ask, no flame intended, is that as of the past 5-7 years many owners are less than pleased with Volvo's recent product quality and the lack of support they are recieving from dealers.
The 'old school' square Volvo's were tanks and extremely durable, there is no arguing that fact. But the 'new school' soft edge models are suffering across the line from the mini V/S40 series (Mitsubishi drivetrain & chassis) to the V70/S60 and the all new XC-90.
Oh, and everyone's factory paint sucks these days unless you spend BMW, Lexus or better money.
- Janq
When was the last time you bought a Volvo new?
Let me rephrase, what is the newest MY Volvo you have owned?
The reason I ask, no flame intended, is that as of the past 5-7 years many owners are less than pleased with Volvo's recent product quality and the lack of support they are recieving from dealers.
The 'old school' square Volvo's were tanks and extremely durable, there is no arguing that fact. But the 'new school' soft edge models are suffering across the line from the mini V/S40 series (Mitsubishi drivetrain & chassis) to the V70/S60 and the all new XC-90.
Oh, and everyone's factory paint sucks these days unless you spend BMW, Lexus or better money.
- Janq
05-31-2003, 08:30 PM
#8
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For the price range of the Volvo and if you were also concerned about luxury... then add the Audi S4 to the list.. That is still in Canada isnt it?.. If you get the Vovlo I wouldnt get it right away I would wait and let them get the bugs out first. People in Canada really like Saab and Volvo, but from my experience with both those cars... Either the car will run for 200,000 miles or it will need repairs every 5,000 miles.. Good or bad apple nothing else in-between.. but thats my opinion and with US models
05-31-2003, 08:36 PM
#9
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Here is a great S4 link... AWD V8... yum...
http://www.audiworld.com/features/tests/2004s4.shtml
http://www.audiworld.com/features/tests/2004s4.shtml
05-31-2003, 09:20 PM
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Originally posted by catdogr
For the price range of the Volvo and if you were also concerned about luxury... then add the Audi S4 to the list.. That is still in Canada isnt it?.. If you get the Vovlo I wouldnt get it right away I would wait and let them get the bugs out first. People in Canada really like Saab and Volvo, but from my experience with both those cars... Either the car will run for 200,000 miles or it will need repairs every 5,000 miles.. Good or bad apple nothing else in-between.. but thats my opinion and with US models
For the price range of the Volvo and if you were also concerned about luxury... then add the Audi S4 to the list.. That is still in Canada isnt it?.. If you get the Vovlo I wouldnt get it right away I would wait and let them get the bugs out first. People in Canada really like Saab and Volvo, but from my experience with both those cars... Either the car will run for 200,000 miles or it will need repairs every 5,000 miles.. Good or bad apple nothing else in-between.. but thats my opinion and with US models
Unfortunate but true as based upon owner feedback.
- Janq a former Volvo owner/fan
05-31-2003, 09:37 PM
#11
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Janq .. I cant believe we agreed on something.. First time for everything
06-01-2003, 07:25 AM
#12
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Janq:
Well I have never owned a volvo product b4 and yes I have heard of the horrible problems some volvo customers have experienced with their cars. You are absolutely correct about the fact that either the car will run fine or it will suffer repairs early and often.
I am not going to buy into the new car hype and am not planning to buy the first model year R's or STi's but am trying to get a gauge of what both cars are like b4 buying. As a new university grad this year I need to work a little bit to make up the money b4 buying anything extravagent.
As for Canadians liking Saab's and Volvo's I think it's b/c they are different and not as common as Bimmers, Merc's, Audi's, and Lexus's. One of the reasons I am considering the volvo is b/c of it's exclusivity (350 cars per year in Canada total, 7000 worldwide/year, the STi will be 50 per month in Canada). I could just as easily go and price out a loaded bimmer but here in edmonton it seems that everyone and their dogs have one.
The S4 is going to be great but I have never been a fan of Audi too much, besides my brother intends on getting one soon.
Thanx all for your comments and please keep them coming no matter if they are for or against volvo.
cheers,
fungwun
Well I have never owned a volvo product b4 and yes I have heard of the horrible problems some volvo customers have experienced with their cars. You are absolutely correct about the fact that either the car will run fine or it will suffer repairs early and often.
I am not going to buy into the new car hype and am not planning to buy the first model year R's or STi's but am trying to get a gauge of what both cars are like b4 buying. As a new university grad this year I need to work a little bit to make up the money b4 buying anything extravagent.
As for Canadians liking Saab's and Volvo's I think it's b/c they are different and not as common as Bimmers, Merc's, Audi's, and Lexus's. One of the reasons I am considering the volvo is b/c of it's exclusivity (350 cars per year in Canada total, 7000 worldwide/year, the STi will be 50 per month in Canada). I could just as easily go and price out a loaded bimmer but here in edmonton it seems that everyone and their dogs have one.
The S4 is going to be great but I have never been a fan of Audi too much, besides my brother intends on getting one soon.
Thanx all for your comments and please keep them coming no matter if they are for or against volvo.
cheers,
fungwun
06-01-2003, 11:32 AM
#13
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Hi Fungwun:
There is no doubt that some Volvos have suffered reliability problems since the late 90's.
I earnestly looked at Volvos in late '92 as the 850 was evolving in Europe. I saw it in '93 at a show in Sydney. I bought one in 1994.
The in-line 5 cyclinder is a sweet simple powerplant. In normally aspirated form it provided 168 hp. The following year it developed 230 hp with turbocharging. I'm extremely happy with the engine. They're still using it.
However, I'm not at all impressed with either the brake rotors or the a/c unit. The rotors were replaced twice under warranty in the first five years. I suspect they require it again. The a/c gave up after four years - required new condenser, compressor and receiver-dryer. It gave up again after warranty. I went elsewhere for service and got the compressor and receiver-dryer and added some sealant - so far so good.
Anyway, it's still a solid highway cruiser. The engine will do 90 mph all day with a good radar!
The new 300 hp Wagon and Sedan are a little out of my price range with kids going to college but I'd certainly look at them again in a few years.
Oh yeah, the seats are the best in the business!
Cheers, Phun - 4 days to STi heaven!
There is no doubt that some Volvos have suffered reliability problems since the late 90's.
I earnestly looked at Volvos in late '92 as the 850 was evolving in Europe. I saw it in '93 at a show in Sydney. I bought one in 1994.
The in-line 5 cyclinder is a sweet simple powerplant. In normally aspirated form it provided 168 hp. The following year it developed 230 hp with turbocharging. I'm extremely happy with the engine. They're still using it.
However, I'm not at all impressed with either the brake rotors or the a/c unit. The rotors were replaced twice under warranty in the first five years. I suspect they require it again. The a/c gave up after four years - required new condenser, compressor and receiver-dryer. It gave up again after warranty. I went elsewhere for service and got the compressor and receiver-dryer and added some sealant - so far so good.
Anyway, it's still a solid highway cruiser. The engine will do 90 mph all day with a good radar!
The new 300 hp Wagon and Sedan are a little out of my price range with kids going to college but I'd certainly look at them again in a few years.
Oh yeah, the seats are the best in the business!
Cheers, Phun - 4 days to STi heaven!
06-01-2003, 04:02 PM
#14
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Phun:
Yes I agree that if I go with the volvo I most likely will have quite a few repair visits during and after warranty. It seems that it is a risk that any new volvo buyer most take as it appears that some have problems and others don't experience the problems (as much anyhow). Like I said I will take a year or so to look at all the information available and make my decision .
I can appreciate what you are going thru in terms of sending kids to college as that is what my parents did with myself and my brother. We in turn will put our youngest brother thru university. I am hoping to buy a nice car b4 getting hitched and having kids myself and that's why I am looking for something with great performance but yet practical for daily use and perhaps as a family car.
Anyways, at the moment it is way too early for me to decide one way or the other but thanx again. Enjoy your STI. One last question, are you using the STi as a daily driver or weekend warrior?
Cheers,
fungwun
Yes I agree that if I go with the volvo I most likely will have quite a few repair visits during and after warranty. It seems that it is a risk that any new volvo buyer most take as it appears that some have problems and others don't experience the problems (as much anyhow). Like I said I will take a year or so to look at all the information available and make my decision .
I can appreciate what you are going thru in terms of sending kids to college as that is what my parents did with myself and my brother. We in turn will put our youngest brother thru university. I am hoping to buy a nice car b4 getting hitched and having kids myself and that's why I am looking for something with great performance but yet practical for daily use and perhaps as a family car.
Anyways, at the moment it is way too early for me to decide one way or the other but thanx again. Enjoy your STI. One last question, are you using the STi as a daily driver or weekend warrior?
Cheers,
fungwun
06-01-2003, 08:06 PM
#15
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Originally posted by catdogr
Janq .. I cant believe we agreed on something.. First time for everything
Janq .. I cant believe we agreed on something.. First time for everything
Look at our current el presidente'.
- Janq