Just wanted to see if anyone would consider these two cars against one another. As a result of all that's been going on with the RX-8, I am waiting for the 2005 model. Unfortunately I get to see other cars until that time such as the new Volvo S40. If the RX-8 had better mileage it may be a no brainer. I like the TSX and 2005 S40, but still wish every car (or the ones I want) were roto powered.

Currently own a 2000 Protege ES, fully loaded - AND LOVE IT! (boooo to Civics and Corollas)

by the way - why do people in some threads check VIN info. I am missing out on the reason for this.

Congrats to all of the RX-8 owners. There's nothing like it and I wish I were getting those head turns right now.

s40 is like 15,000 more than the rx8.. am I right?

Originally posted by Boccelli
s40 is like 15,000 more than the rx8.. am I right?

no, the s40 is volvos lowest model, $24,450 - $28,545

sorry to thread hi-jack, but does ANYONE have pictures to the 05 S40? Just curious. I am dying to see it.

<--- also dying for my own RX8..drove my friend's around the block this weekend..

I think its very nice, and to illustrate better for others:
:D

The rear and interior :p

Eww...unless that radio panel pops out as an all-in-one, universal remote for your ICE - yuck! I really don't dig these cars with all the little rows of buttons all over the center console. Way too busy for my taste.

the s40 is pretty weak. forward wheel drive, no manual only auto is available, 4 banger making 170hp. for that price i'd rather get a mercedes c-class

Its' a bloody Volvo...........where is your pride? Wait until your 60 then maybe.


rael

There is NOTHING wrong with the RX8. It is a brilliant car. Any new car has the potential for drama, problems, etc - because they are NEW!!! Just in case you didn't realise, they have a warranty - if you can't use this obligation the manufacturing has to you to make you car perfect, don't buy a car, ok?

So, look...

You want more power, wait a bit and modify the engine.

Add a body kit if you want.

Upgrade the suspension.

Don't like the colours - paint it hot pink!!!

I've just taken delivery of my car in Oz. I got up the this morning and drove my bright red RX8 down the drive really slowly feeling like I was in a scene from the Thunderbirds ... The car has got so much appeal. The normally annoying 2 hour drive I've been doing each morning just wasn't long enough today.

Get in it, drive it. If you like it - buy it. If you don't like it - just say so and then GO AWAY. Please!

And PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - don't utter the word "Volvo". within a week of refering to the RX8.

Kev i agree the boy has problems a VOLVO ??? GET A LIFE.

The FWD 170 hp S40 is only the base version. There will be a 6-speed available with the 220 hp all wheel drive car. There is even a rumor about a 300hp R version of the S40. I would not dismiss this car so quickly as Volvo seems to be very serious about the new S40. I will try to attach a pic of the sport model.

WayneFulp, thanks for posting the pic. I assumed people would know I was referring to the sport model as an alternative to the RX-8, and not any other model. I am not crazy about Volvo's by the way everyone. But they're not only for old people. Even though I want an 8, I wouldn't shy away from an S60 R. The 2005 S40 will be offered in all wheel drive also, and if they make an R version it could be very popular. Buying a rotary powered car would be just as new and unique for me as buying the 05 S40 (cause it's a Volvo). As others have expressed in this thread - why I would even consider a Volvo - that is exactly the attitude I want people to have. Not many would plany to buy the car because of the brand. Not many people will by the RX-8 because of the looks and lack of knowledge about the rotary. However a 2005 Volvo S40 R (like the one above) with AWD would be delightful and I would love for people not to have the car. That's one of the reason's I like the RX-8 so much - exclusivity (somewhat) and rotary engine - like a dedicated Mac user (which I am)in PC world.

by the way - went to my local Mazda dealer (Culver City, CA) some days ago and mentioned the power issue with the RX-8. One salseman hadn't any clue - was he putting on an act ya think?

WayneFulp - the back

volvos are freking great, something about them i just love...

anyway, id take an s40R in a freking FLASH, 300hp? beautiful seats? AWD? great sound? sweet looks? hell yeah id take one

but not over my 8, im too in love with it, its everything i want in a car

however, i still need my:
sport sedan
Truck (SUV)
roadster
GT sedan
- in that order


and
assorted rarities

whenever ill get these is yet to be determined, though


edit:
just looking at that car again made me have to say, goddamn that car is tight
________
Rhode island dispensary (http://rhodeisland.dispensaries.org/)

Lock & Load are you a young guy? If so, it shows in your post about me. If you're not young - even worse. Though young guys can be mature too. I'm 26. I am not here to bash the RX-8. I am just considering alternatives as I have seen others talk about the EVO, TSX, and S200 as alternatives. Having a Volvo doesn't mean you don't have a life. You should drive the current S60 R, really! I'll be the first to admit that a Volvo is not the first brand on my list of choices, but it would be like having an RX-8 or NSX to me in the sense that I would know I have a great car not many people would care to think about nor will they have. I have a great life - wife, excellent job, friends, good health. Perhaps you should grow up a little (at least the way you talk to people). I am just here to talk and learn, not judge a person by their auto decisions - how narrow.

Lets keep the threads respectful.

well put, mostly, anyway
________
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM III (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Phantom_III)

I feel really left out! I dislike Volvo's with a passion.

Look something like a hot (yeech!!!) Volvo is a parts bin make over. I'm not bagging the (yeech!!!) Volvo here in saying this, because I'd feel the same about the 300bhp AWD Mazda 6 coming (I believe).

Has anybody ever seen a person with a "VOLVO" tattoo? Hmmm?

I rest my case!

First off -- Volvo's are awesome cars. My decision point for the RX was the S60R and it was a difficult decision but the siren's call of the rotary eventually made my decision for me. Drive an "R" series Volvo and you will realize that in addition to making very durable and comfortable vehicles they can make a real driver's car as well. I have driven a current model S40 a few times -- very peppy engine and like all Volvo's the most comfortable seats ever made. If they come out with an S40R with the new model -- watch out that will be a great vehicle.

Originally posted by tangierc
...I am just here to talk and learn, not judge a person by their auto decisions - how narrow.

Lets keep the threads respectful. Well said.

---jps

I traded a '96 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon in for my 8. The Volvo was extremely solid and went you punched the gas the slushbox would drop two gears while the turbo was spinning up and when the gear change was done the car was moving out---fast. It was a perfect sleeper. The engine was originally rated at 222HP and with the K&N it was probably making a little more. For darting around heavy freeway traffic, the zip the car had made it easy to pick an opening and get it.

Now having driven the 8 for about six weeks I have learned that you can get some zip, but you need to do that two-gear downshift to get it.

I looked at the S60R, but between it being $40K+ and my wife hating the old Volvo, it wasn't an option. But, with AWD, 300HP and the best computer-controlled suspension short of an Enzo, it's an extremely formidable car.

In the end however, my Volvo held its value like a sieve. If you look at other slightly-used Volvo's you'll see the same thing. Two-year old S80 T6's that were mid 40's when new are now selling high 20's.

Car choices are subjective. Nobody should be disparaging someone's opinions on other cars.

Originally posted by silver8

In the end however, my Volvo held its value like a sieve. If you look at other slightly-used Volvo's you'll see the same thing. Two-year old S80 T6's that were mid 40's when new are now selling high 20's.


Well, if it holds value like a sieve it sucks for Volvo... but it rocks for those of us who would consider a used S60R :D

Volvo's ... people think volvo's are for old people ..
i drive a volvo C70.. two door coupe 240 HP
... LOVE it .. but the rx-8 is my dream car .. by the way im only 16 ..
i will get the rx-8 in 2005 ... so i can get a used one .. or 05 model ... and yes ( dont start the 16 -year old thing) ..
anywayz
**Volvo's are fast and reliable .. RX-8 is so sweet.... though ... why even compare a volvo to a rotary .. Sedan ~ Sports car

I still have yet to drive the s40 ....so no comment there

but I did get to check it out today.... and I have to say that I hated the interior with a passion...... it feels so baron and .... BLAH. Big Disappointment

Exterior styling is not bad though

My folks have a V70R. That is a really nice car, lots of power and great handling for something so large. I wouldnt bother with a base S40, maybe the T5, it is awd and 220 horse or something around that mark. Should be quick and fun. I liked the interior, very simple, sweedish sums it up. If they come out with a s40r it would likely be a great little car, but until that day, the only volvo I would buy is the s60R.

http://www.evolvecars.com/phpwcms/index.php

this site has some nice cars.

The day I first test drove an "8" I was on my way home after test driving a 04 S40R. I can honestly say that in a long line of cars and test drives, this is the only test drive I ever remember walking away from saying there is no way i would buy that car. IMO they tried to make it everything (all wheel drive (i think) but major torque steer, sports car hanlding that suffered greatly due to smoothed ride.) and fell way short as the ended up in the "middle" on everything!

Test drive an "8" if you haven't already and you may see the same.

Good luck.

It's a frigen sweedish Meatball... No brainer here!!!! Get the 8 and deal with the gas mileage!!!

there is no such thing as an S40R, nobody has test driven one.

As a side note, the technology in the suspension on the S60R is quite impressive, worth a look if you haven't already

When people mention the S40R they mean as a concept / rumor car. Just like th rumor of the Mazdaspeed 6 or the Mazdaspeed 3.

The T5 S40 is not bad. I love the floating center console. The design is great along with the Chassis IMO.

Geez, the market is so different over in North America, I can't believe that RX8 and Volvo were mentioned in the same sentence. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Here down under, Volvo can't even give away their cars. They're as popular as a 300 pound stipper performing in a prison. :p :p :p

Volvo has a reputation for building solid, but dull cars and it's incredible that a potential buyer is comparing one with an 8.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but

RX8 buyer = extrovert, performance orientated, enjoys spirited driving
Volvo buyer = introvert, staid, conservative, safety-concious, dull?

Besides, isn't the S40 based on a shared platform with the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3?

Good luck with it, but promise me whatever you do, do not buy a beige Volvo! LOL :p :p :p

If you want to turn heads, a Volvo really is doing it the hard way.

When people mention the S40R they mean as a concept / rumor car. Just like th rumor of the Mazdaspeed 6 or the Mazdaspeed 3.



I realize that, but a couple people have said they drove it and didn't like it :confused:

If he wants a car that performs well and that he likes and is comfortable driving day in and day out...then whatever he decides is for him. It's not all about looks. Just because a car can turn heads doesn't mean it's for a good reason.

The new Volvos are turning from "dull" to being "extrovert, performance orientated spirited driving with a conservative and safety-conscious persona."

The S40 can be compared to the 8 because these are his two options. Does he want a Mazda RX8 with "1.3" 2rotor RWD sports coupe or a Volvo S40 T5 AWD 4-door sedan? Which would he enjoy as a daily driver? Which would he enjoy performance wise? Which gives him his money? Blah blah blah. ;)

I realize that, but a couple people have said they drove it and didn't like it :confused:

Then you go for a S60r or a Evolve :D

I didn't realize that there were reviews on the car. Or was this an insiders test drive...

edit- Are you speaking of S40R or the S40 sports t5 220bhp model?

I don't really dig the styling on the s40 too much, but at least volvo started putting some minor curves into their cars. I got the 8 because it does everything really well, it's not the single best at anything, but it can hang or surpass other vehicles in its class in every category. At the time I looked at the z,wrx,evo, and also a couple of pickups. (I'm a mini-trucker at heart) The 8 was the only car that I could get that had the headlights I wanted, the suspension, stock 18" wheels, sunroof, nav etc. etc. for about 30 grand. All the other cars/trucks i priced with similar equipment were upwards of 40-45 grand or they were way too expensive for what I was getting. I guess to sum it all up, get the most car you can afford and be happy with it, unless someone else is paying for it don't worry about what they think, if you want a volvo, get a volvo and be happy with it :) You might want to consider the Scion TC, you can get one pretty loaded for next to nothing.

there is no such thing as an S40R, nobody has test driven one.

As a side note, the technology in the suspension on the S60R is quite impressive, worth a look if you haven't already


Woops! I'll chalk that up to Dragon Lag!

I meant the S60R. So no help for this thread, but I would disagree completly with this (S60R) being an inpresive vehicle. I thought so too, until I drove it.

I've already driven the 04 S40 at a Volvo S40 drive event held by Volvo Corporate a few months ago. I drove the base/auto and the T5 6-speed on a low speed and high speed course. The seats are typical Volvo; comfortable and very supportive. The T5 was a lot of fun to drive. The shifter is very smooth and I didn't notice it being notchy at all. I didn't notice any turbo lag at all. With both models, the car was very quiet and very tight. Steering response was immediate.

The S40 comes in FWD and AWD. I grabbed a few brochures while I was there.

Its definitely not what I expected in a Volvo. It felt more like an Audi A4 than a Volvo. The car looks great in charcoal grey with the HIDs. I was very impressed with the car and would definitely consider getting one. (I would probably skip the auto though, since acceleration was kind of leisurely).

The intechangable center panel is a nice idea. There is plenty of room behind it to store junk. They compared the S40 to a Acura TSX, Audi A4 1.8T, and BMW 325i.

As a counterpoint to some of the Volvo naysayers. There is no doubt that the RX-8 is flashier, and in my mind better engineered than an S40. But for the general public, in America, Volvo has a much more upscale reputation than Mazda. In fact, Mazda has no upscale reputation. The market that is out there for trying to look upscale at any cost will not purchase a Mazda over a Volvo. Volvo is almost like the entry level to Mercedes.

I'd wager that several times when our RX-8's have turned peoples heads that it was only an initial reaction. And when they got up close and saw it was a Mazda, they scoffed and dismissed it as junk. I've seen it happen once with my own car, so I'm sure it's happened to all of us.

When I was in the market for a new car, I tested the 2004.5 S40T5 auto (no MT was available at that time), the Saab 93 Aero, the G35c auto and both RX8s. Got the AT RX-8 :)
But, the T5 was great when driven in semi-manual. It is a FWD but did not steer under heavy acceleration and the turbo lag was not there. It is built on the Ford Focus platform - but that car is no.1 in Europe, so cannot be too bad. However, some styling clues are too much. There was this huge gap between the console and the doors. The worst was the fancy looking center console: try a really fast left turn, it will cut your knee. It is, however, a nice car - just not for me. The Saab does not come close to it (or has any points worth mentioning now). The G35c was great too, but the known issues with ridde quality and interior quality did not go too well. There is a thread on that car. The RX-8 was just right. I did drive the auto in semi-auto for the test - and even now I use it a lot. In full auto, it is a good cruiser though. But where is the fun in that?!?
If it helps, here is a rating: 1. RX8 (either are great in the twisties), 2. '05 S40T5, 3. G35c

PS I skipped the really sporty Sti, Evo and SRT4. Maybe if the roads will be not so busy and poorly maintained here in NJ... but they will not be getting better anytime soon. The RX8 is stiff but good on bumpy roads. The S40 is decent also. The G35c was bad though.

A friend of mine was in the market for a new car recently, and I went with her to test drive cars. The cars we looked at and test drove were the Volvo S40 (T5 fwd and 2.4i), Acura TSX, Mazda 6 . . . and that's pretty much it for serious consideration. All were AT. The G35, IS300, and BMW 3 Series were too expensive and the Altima just didn't do it. Of the American cars, Pontiac looks like the only one that seems to offer anything with pizzaz, but she was trading in a Sunfire and didn't want another Pontiac (especially considering how little value the Sunfire retained).

The 6 was the best driver of the group by a good margin. I loved the peppy V6, the crisp handling, and the manual shift mode was the best of the group. The biggest downside was that it does not offer a navigation system and had the worst gas mileage. The Volvo was a fine car and it did offer the best ride of the three contenders - but of the two we drove, I felt a wide difference in handling and driving characteristics, with the 2.4i winning in all categories except for power. The T5 had decent punch, but it wasn't as good as I expected and the steering felt sloppy and sluggish. The difference in quality left a bad taste plus the Volvo was the most expensive of the three. In the end, we went with the TSX. It has an awesome combination of everything - handling, power, style, refinement, gas mileage, etc. The 6 is a fine car, but for just a couple thousand less, it doesn't compare to the TSX with nav, dual zone climate control, voice command, and overall feel of quality. If the 6 offered nav though, it might have been a different story.

We went in very objectively and unbiased. Frankly, I was pushing her towards the 6 at the start, but in the end, the TSX even won my nod. Anyone looking at the S40 should take a good look at the TSX - to us, it was a no-brainer between the two. I mentioned (repeatedly, I might add) that she could get an AT RX-8 for about the same price as any of the cars that we looked at. It wasn't even a consideration for her and she has zero regrets in getting the TSX.