2011 Volvo S60 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

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Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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1 Oct 3, 2010

The Volvo engine is begging a comparison to BMW's 300-hp, turbocharged straight six; compared to BMW's six in the 335i, the Volvo engine makes its peak torque a bit higher - 2,100 rpm versus 1,400 rpm - and overall it doesn't churn out the torque just above idle like the BMW mill; meanwhile, the turbo V-6 in the Audi S4, making 333 hp, is closer in character to the Volvo engine.

The Acura TSX doesn't offer all-wheel drive, but new for last year was an Acura TSX V6 model that, although front-wheel drive, delivers satisfying performance and nimble handling.

Those seeking luxury over outright sportiness might prefer the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which The all-new Saab 9-5 also looks to be a worthy rival to the 2011 Volvo S60, with equally compelling Scandinavian design and performance potential.

Of the whole bunch (except perhaps the Saab), the Volvo has more usable, adult-sized backseat space.

2011 Volvo S60 Browse Used Listings	2011 Acura TSX Browse Used Listings	2011 Audi S4 Browse Used Listings	2011 BMW 3-Series Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 Volvo is no longer just for those who want to play it safe; the new S60 is a stylish and well-designed sport sedan that's very enjoyable to drive - even if it trades off a bit of edginess for comfort and refinement.	8.2 The 2011 Acura TSX is the essence of what the brand should be: compact, light, efficient, and user-friendly—not to mention fully equipped.	8.2	8.4 The 2011 BMW 3-Series continues the tradition of excellent handling, brisk performance, and high quality, though its relatively compact size does result in some compromises.
MSRP From
$37,700	$29,610	$47,100	$34,600
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy
Engine
Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Gas I6	Gas I4	Gas supercharged V6	Gas I6
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Compact	Compact
Style Name
4-Door Sedan	4-Door Sedan I4 Man	4-Door Sedan Man Premium Plus	4-Door Sedan 328i RWD
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sdn	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic,	Manual	Manual	Manual