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?

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.