Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60??

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (Shipwreck)

There's only one of your choices without a turbo unless you are considering the Passat with V6: Maxima. Though failures of modern Audi/VW turbos are rather rare, they have happened. I have not heard comments on the reliability of the Volvo light pressure turbo, but it does offer more off-the-line accel. than the 1.8t.
If pricing permits, the Passat V6 and Volvo S60 both offer all wheel drive as an option.......very valuable in snow country. Passat 4Motion is a gas hog; don't know real numbers for the Volvo. I would estimate other-than-purchase-price costs to be lowest for the Maxima, second lowest for Passat and highest for Volvo if history is a guide. Note that the Maxima is in its last year with present platform and may depreciate faster than you expect.
When driving the Volvo be sure to check shift harshness under full throttle: You might find it excessive. The Volvo and Passat may have better seat comfort than the Maxima and Maxima seats may sag with long use.

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (Shipwreck)

Driving them first will probably get you about 80% along the decision-making process. After that is the best time to ask questions.
Look a few posts down to see a Maxima vs. Passat post, which also includes links to another Maxima vs. Passat thread that occured not too long ago. Since this comparison has been recently beat to death a number of times on this forum, you probably won't get too many responses.
As for the Volvo, I don't know much about it. I have never been much of a Volvo fan though. If you price out an S60 2.4T that is equipped in a similar fashion to the Passat GLX, you are talking $35,200 (with auto tranny, cold weather, leather, touring pkg, premium pkg). The base engine (168hp) with the same equipment would list at $32,100.
The S60 has been reveiwed in a number of different magazines, and judging from these reviews, I would say the S60 is even less of a sports sedan than the Passat. Many comments talk about mushy brakes, numb steering and soft handling. The Passat usually gets glowing reviews on its ride and handling.
In terms of size, the Passat is actually classified as a mid-size, whereas the S60 is classified as a compact. The Passat is 5 inches longer, with a few more inches of rear legroom - but the wheelbase is about the same for both.
For engines, both have similar power output. I would wager that the 5 cylinder in the Volvo isn't as smooth as the Passat V6.
If you go through the cars option for option, they are similar. The Passat has rain sensing wipers and auto folding mirrors, and the Volvo has dual-zone (versus single zone) climate control. Otherwise, the list of features is almost identical.
Well, the Italian Press DID call the S60 the most beautiful car in the world! I guess the Ferrari factory was closed the day of the voting. Actually, I don't mind the S60 styling. I think the S80 styling on the S60 looks better on the smaller S60. I also think the Passat styling is beautiful. The interiors are comparable. It's funny that the Passat for a few grand less can add real wood trim, whereas the Volvo's is simulated.
If you compare the $30,375 list price of the Passat GLX Auto to the $35,200 for a comparably equipped Volvo 2.4T, what are you getting for the extra $5K? I can't think of much, except maybe the legendary Volvo safety. Uh, not really. The Passat actually did better in crash tests for the driver and passenger for frontal impacts, with an excellent rating. The Volvo did better in side impacts, with an excellent rating for side impact, while the Passat was rated good. So call it even.
That leaves me with the Passat as being a much better value. In fact, it could be argued that the Passat with its superior driving dynamics is the better car period.
If I were going to spend $35K on a car, and wanted something special, I'd look at the Audi A4 3.0. I think the A4 3.0 is a FAR more desireable car than the S60.
Just my 2 cents,
Mike


[Modified by Michael_B, 9:08 PM 2-7-2002]

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (hejl)

Thanks for the info/opinions everyone. I, too have access to the X-Plan which is why the Volvo is in the picture; if I keep the options down and stick to the base model I can keep it under $27k but I'll be giving up some features. Right now, the Passat seems tough to beat. I can't wait to get out there and do some test driving!
Thanks again.

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (Shipwreck)

You've chosen three great vehicles. Having both a VW and a Volvo, I can speak to the Passat and S60. I have an S70, but have driven the S60 many times as a loaner. The Passat has a sporty ride, better ergonomics, and demonstrated reliability. The S60 has a more luxurious ride and the best seats available (comfort & protection). Volvo is marketing the S60 as a sports sedan. Believe this is a bit of a stretch. You'll note turbo lag in the VW 1.8T and none in the Volvo LPT ("light pressure turbo"). The LPT engine has been around for quite a while and is very reliable. The Passat has more space in the back seat and trunk. Fuel consumption will favor the Passat. Safety testing indicates both vehicles can be closely grouped together at the top of their class. Also, considering that the S60 is relatively new, you may be making a few more trips to the dealership. While the Monsoon sound system has its shortfalls, the S60's radio controls are a disaster (especially when trying to drive). As others have noted, start adding options and the S60 becomes expensive. $ for $ it's extremely difficult to beat the Passat (and that applies to BMW and other makes).

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (Hansi)

Interesting discussion. Our Passat really should be compared with other quality European manufacturers.
Based on build quality and ride etc., it should not be compared with Japanese manufacturers, and I am not going to even bother with the Max.
Anyway when compared with any other brand of European car, the B5 definitely is a bargain. I really can't think of anything more the S60 offers that the GLX does not already have. So how is the extra cost for the S60 justified then?
And the cool thing is VW will keep improving the Passat. I just hope they continue offering lower end models for people on a budget.

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (av_audi)

Yeah that didn't come out right. Japanese cars sure have alot of merits.
What I mean to say is that Euro cars tend to have certain commonalities and characteristics like solid feel, good handling, design, interior materials etc. The Passat is definitely in this category.
Cars like the Honda, Nissan, Toyotas have Japanese commonalities. Usually good reliability with certain common design themes and interior materials.
European and Japanese cars feel very different and usually attract different kind of buyers. I find them hard to compare based on this.
http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (speedracer3)

I own a Passat GLX, and here is my feedback to your statements:
Maxima has the best engine: I agree
Maxima is bigger inside: Probably right
Maxima is sportier: Probably is in SE trim
Maxima is faster: Definitely
Maxima is most reliable: Not sure, but probably is more reliable
With all of the above taken into consideration, I would still buy a Passat again, and here's why:
Passat is more refined than Maxima
Passat has better build quality than Maxima
Passat is safer than Maxima (see crash test results and safety equipment)
Passat has better ride quality than Maxima
Passat interior is much, much nicer than Maxima
Passat exterior styling makes the Maxima look bland
Passat has a better warranty than Maxima
The Maxima does offer a lot of bang for the buck - no question. However, you have to look beyond the "on paper" stats to determine the true value of an automobile.
Lastly, you said that if you could afford the S60 to go for it. Just curious, why? What do you think the S60 has over a Passat that would make it worth the thousands of extra they are asking for it?

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (zolik)

Some of these terms, such as "solid feel", are a litle subjective. But still, on average, these attributes seem to apply better to Euro cars than to Japanese cars. But you also have to remember that most of the Euro cars that make it to the U.S are higher end models and trims. I am sure you would agree that this substantially amplifies the perceptions of "solid feel" and nicer interior materials. You won't find any 316i, 318i (anymore), 518i, or the initially rollover prone crappy A3 Benz, not to mention a host of other smaller and cheaper cars and brands.
The perception in the U.S. of what a Japanese car is, on the other hand, has been shaped over many years by such humble cars as the Civic, the Corolla, the Sentra, and later the Camry and Accord. Some people have a hard time going past that image. But you have to agree that most models from Acura and Lexus deserve, at least to some degree, some the flattering adjectives you use above.
Again, I agree there are some real differences accross all model ranges. But I wouldn't push it to the point of saying a nicely appointed Maxima cannot, or should not, be compared to a Passat. The numerous posts on this forum indicate that many buyers do make that comparison.
One other comment I would like to make. Do you think the big Euro names attract certain types of customers in the U.S mainly because of the way they feel? I think a good portion of these people buy a Benz or a BMW not because of they way these cars feel, but simply because of the prestige and exclusivity. The fact that they flocked to Acura and Lexus in HUGE numbers proves the point. The tpyes of drivers who pay a lot of attention to handling and driving feel are probably a minority.

Re: Passat GLS, Maxima or Volvo S60?? (Shipwreck)

Shipwreck: I am from Buffalo, but bought my Passat at Minute Man VW in Burlington. They were the only one who had the color combo and option combo that my wife and I wanted. We went trhough their internet program which gives a standard price of $795 above invoive, but we managed to knock off another $100 because I had a much better deal waiting in Rochester, NY (more options and lower price but color was not top choice). Boston VW has the largest selection it seems. If you are willing to wait some time than either a car can be located for you (one week or so to locate and do a dealer exchange) or one can be ordered for you (around 3 months - VWguild can give you more info about ordering. You can also order through him). I haven't had to serivce my car at Minuteman VW because I drove it to Buffalo, NY. But, the initial inspection and washing/delivery of the car was flawless. I haven't found any defects with the car either - tire pressure, windshield, oil level, headlights all were good.