2012 Volvo S60 vs. Its Competition

2012 Volvo S60 AWD 4-door Sedan T6 Angular Front Exterior View

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Feb 23, 2012

With the Volvo S60 T6, Volvo is begging a comparison to BMW's 300-hp 335i sedan, as well as the 333-hp Audi S4.

Both engines--especially the BMW unit--are a little more immediate in their power delivery, although the new T6 R-Design sharpens the Volvo's responses so that it's close.

In terms of handling, the 3-Series remains the champ, although the S60 is both capable and fun to drive.

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 this year introduces an all-new turbocharged four-cylinder engine (in the C250).

But of all there models, except maybe the TSX, the S60 offers the most usable passenger space in the back seat.

2012 Volvo S60 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Acura TSX Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Audi S4 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 BMW 3-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class Get FREE Price Quote
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Meta Rating
8.4 The 2012 Volvo S60 family shows that sport sedans can feel edgy without giving up their leading edge in safety, design, and interior interior comfort.	8 With attractive designs and a light, efficient driving feel, the 2012 Acura TSX lineup strikes an ideal balance for a front-wheel-drive sport sedan or sport wagon.	8.2 For those who like what they see in the pert Audi A4 sport sedan but want an emphasis on the 'sport'—without giving up any practicality—the 2012 Audi S4 is the way to go.	8.4 The 2012 BMW 3-Series delivers the class-leading sport-sedan performance and handling enthusiasts have come to expect, yet it makes substantial improvements in fuel-efficiency, active safety, and connectivity.	8.2 With a new base four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes even more sense for value-conscious (yet image-conscious) luxury shoppers.
MSRP From
$31,300	$30,010	$47,300	$34,900	$34,800
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Turbocharged Gas I5	Gas I4	Gas Supercharged V6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Compact Cars	Compact Cars	Compact
Style Name
FWD 4dr Sedan T5	4dr Sedan I4 Auto	4dr Sedan Man Premium Plus	4dr Sedan 328i RWD	4dr Sedan C250 Sport RWD
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	All wheel drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	Manual	Manual	Automatic