awm

I am looking to buy a new car, and it has come down to the S60R and the RX-8.

I have done quite a bit of research on these two vehicles, looking at message boards of both fan clubs--admittedly, RX-8 people are more lively on the 'net! I've scoured more magazine reviews than I care to remember... :D

The RX-8 is my heart's choice, but the S60R seems to be the favorite in my head. My biggest three categories are:

1. Safety: Passive safety, mostly (the RX-8's handling and stopping distance make it pretty much a lock for active safety features). Volvo has the rep for being safer than a cradle, but the RX-8 has many unique safety features itself. I am concerned mostly of side impacts, as I have seen the least information about these accidents. Can anyone compare these two vehicles on their safety, based on experience? This is the #1 area I'm afraid of with the '8, and if I am convinced it's on par with the Volvo, I'll be at my Mazda dealer tomorrow!! :D

2. Utility: specifically, how the cars act in show and rain (with the proper tires, of course) and how useful they are with body kits on. Is there any trouble getting up into driveways/parking lots without scraping the beautiful front?

3. Performance: they both zoom-zoom, the RX-8 around 6s for 0-60, and the S60R at 5.4ish...but can the Volvo do it as well around corners as the RX-8 can? Do I give up a ton of handling for a (slightly) faster car?

I am wondering if anyone here owns, has owned, or has driven these two vehicles and can do a first-hand comparison for me in these areas?

Any additional thoughts or ideas are more than welcome.

Thanks!


(P.S. sorry if this double posts...my browser just had a fit )

th1rd3y3

I would choose the S60R over the 8 mostly because of practicallity. AWD is definitely a plus, power is certainly there as well. Handling will certainly not be on par with RX-8 but it should be quite good.

All in all though, they are 2 totally different cars. I can guarantee the 8 would be a more engaging exciting ride even with the lack of power. I've not driven the S60R but I've driven several newer Volvos and all of them drove with a sense of disconnection from the driver. So if that's your sort of thing you probably won't be happy with the Volvo.

Sigma

Thanks to the Ford partnership Mazda has been able to utilize a lot of Volvo safety expertise in its' recent designs. As such it's cars lately have been receiving very good scores in safety tests. Off the top of my head I can't recall the RX-8s scores by any major institution but I know they were quite good and, IIRC, they were exceptional for its' class.

Overall utility the Volvo wins hands-down. AWD, lots of interior room, and a good sized trunk. But that's the obvious stuff.

In the rain the stock RX-8 tires aren't great. And in the snow they're absolutely worthless. You literally won't be going anywhere (at least not in the direction you want to go) in the snow with the stock rubber. But put some good winter rubber on her and she drives just fine. Not like a weighted AWD sedan. But fine for daily driving.

Ride height -- depends what bodykit and if you lower it. But, all in all, unless you lower quite a bit, you shouldn't have a problem.

The Volvo won't hold a candle to the RX-8 in the corners. Not that it's bad, it's just not as good. For everyday driving the Volvo would likely be more than sufficient, but if you like to see just how fast you can take that offramp, the RX-8 will definitely take more.

Red Devil

Two interesting cars to cross shop.

I think Sigma pretty much nailed everything. I say save the money and get the RX-8.

Rx7Roadster

The Volvo is AWD but only 10% of the power goes to the rear wheels most of the time. So when you have plenty of grip in the front the rears arent driving much. This means that most of the time its just a glorified FWD car. Just something to think about.

awm

Yes, they are two pretty different vehicles.

It's mostly because my wife and I don't see exactly eye-to-eye on the issue...I'm sure many can relate :D

I favor the RX-8, but she favors the Volvo, because, by reputation, it's safer and has more utility. With all the SUV's on the road today, cars seem to be at a big disadvantage. We want to find a car that can stand a chance against one, while still remaining sporty and useful.

The more I compare the S60R and the '8, the more alike they seem. For a sedan, the S60R is only ~400 pounds heavier than the '8...wheelbase, width, and length are almost identical. Both have the same airbag setup, too. As for crash tests, the S60R got marginally better results on the side crash tests, with all other tests being essentially equal. So, although the RX-8 is a small car, it looks like it is very comparable to the Volvo in these safety respects. Apparently Mazda took safety very seriously with this car, but sometimes it hard to get past the stereotype that sports cars are inherently unsafe.

I think, though, that ultimately the '8's handling and braking could be the deciding factor. I can't count how many times that my old Ford Probe GT saved me with its maneuverability. I havn't heard many good things about the S60R's handling, even in its "advanced" suspension mode.

Thanks for all your responses

Red Devil

I thought the S60R was around 3700lbs, and the 8 is around 3000.

awm

Yep, you're right. The magazine I read just reviewed the standard S60.

oops

Dinhx8

I think if your heart lies with the 8, then I would fine tune your approach to focus on safety-to convice yourself and your wife so you can get the 8. Safety is such an important -but at the same time ambiguous term. To me, safety is important, but the fact of the matter is, if you get t-boned, it sucks. No car out there short of an M1-Abrams will make T-boneing a comfy experience.

That being said, of course some cars are safer than others. Volvo has a strong rep, but the Mazda comes with many features that make it a very safe vehicle (multiple airbags, the only car to get a full 5 stars on the rollover test).

My point is, buying a volvo won't let you walk away from an accident without being sore. Neither will an rx8. Unfortunately you can't tell until it happens, but in my opinion, the rx8 is safe enough for you to take that chance....its not as if its say, an MG convertible that could get run over by a minivan.

Good luck though, both nice cars in my book, but fight the fight, and go with your heart man!

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

I raced a S60R. The car wasted me off the line and I never got a chance to catch up. In the corners the RX-8 will walk away from it. We went through some back roads and the RX-8's handling was much more crisp but on the straight aways the Volvo took off.

wedge357

The side impact rating is 4star for RX-8 and 5star for Volvo S60R. However, rollover rating is the same at 5star, while front passenger get 5star for Mazda and 4star for Volvo (surprisingly) and 4star for both drivers.

Check here.

Dinhx8

i think *dont have a link* while the volvo got the 5 stars on rollover also, the rx8 was the only car they could not get to actually rollover....

DARKMAZ8

wow an 8 or a volvo....hmmmmm. Good luck!

Kawi

While I didn't have the R(really wanted one though) I did have an S60 T5 for 2 years, which was a bit sportier than the base. As others have pointed out, don't be too taken with the assumption the Volvo is a safer car. While the RX-8 is small it really does quite well in safety tests. Because pedestrian accidents are common in Japan, Mazda developed the hood with multiple divots in the underside, hidden by the insulation, that cushions impact on the top of the hood. The doors have not only the mandatory cross-beam but the rear door has a second verticle beam that provides extra support. Plus the design of the jamb causes the doors to interlock creating yet another support structure in the event of a side impact. Add on top of that the side air bags in the A pillar and in the seats and you have very good side protection. Again, it's stance makes it near impossible to roll over.

On the S60R side, you get comfort in spades. The auto climate control is very handy, esp if you and your wife often argue on the thermostat. I've read lots of good things about its electronic suspension, especially how quick it is to adjust with just the touch of a button, though the sport setting has been reported to be too stiff. Engine response is reported to be better than my T5, where I did experience mild turbo lag. Also, try to get the manual if you can. Maybe I'm just picky, but I'm just not a fan of manumatics. They seem slow to shift and feel sluggish. Plus in the end, they end up being fancy toys and you'll probably spend 95% of your time with it just sitting in 'D'.

You'll definately feel the weight of the car, which is why I traded it for the RX-8. I just like the lighter more nimble feel of this car over the Volvo. Even though it has a really good engine, it still didn't feel much fun though I'll admit I haven't had the opportunity to drive the R.

Oh one more thing, when it comes time to have the car serviced I suspect you'll have a much better experience at Volvo. The dealer who serviced my T5 always treated me well. They had courtesy cars ready and even went so far as to have the tech leave a tape in the car after each service describing the work they did on the car and what they tested. On the other hand, watch out for electrical gremlins. Our manager had an S80 that had tons of electrical problems and I had a fair share as well caused by faulty relays.

Anyway, hope some of this info helps even if it isn't specifically on the S60R.

awm

Thank you very much for your insight!

crossbow

My father has a V70R (heavier S60R). Its a fantastic sleeper. There are quite alot of upgrades available for the car, including intercooler packages, chips, exhausts, downpipes, intakes, and greatest of all...reflashers.

All the parts for the R are extremely expensive...they make mazda costs look like you own a kia...but you can easily get into the 350 bhp range (360 ft/lbs) with just a downpipe and reflash. (My father is currently installing the 3 inch downpipe and the new reflasher).

The disadvantage of the vehicle is it can have some issues with the haldex AWD system overheating. (Usually on a track). When this happens, the car swaps to 100% FWD...and then you basically have a 3700 lb or so FWD car with 300 bhp and no LSD. This won't ever occur on the street, but its pretty terrifying on the track. (This is why the Mazdaspeed6's center diff is watercooled).

Catspaw

My advice: get the best of both worlds and pick up a Volve Evolve S40! Saw this car at the autoshow in LA this year and was completely blown away. All the functionality of a sedan and safety you come to expect from volvo, but with 400+ turbocharged horsies under the bonnet to boot (:

yandrs

A comment on winter handling: I was considering both as well (opted for the RX-8) and in my research, even the official Volvo literature (don't have it anymore) said the S60R performance stock tires would need to be changed for winter (just like our beloved RX-8).

I don't know if money is an issue here, but RX-8 is less expensive by several thousand dollars. Take the difference and buy your wife some nice jewelry. EVERYONE WINS!!