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.
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 2012 Volvo S60Browse Used Listings |  2012 Acura TSXBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Audi S4Browse Used Listings |  2012 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 4-Door Sedan T5 | 4-Door Sedan I4 Automatic | 4-Door Sedan Manual Premium Plus | 4-Door Sedan 328i RWD SULEV | 4-Door Sedan C 250 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 | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Volvo S60 vs. 2012 Acura TSX | 2012 Volvo S60 vs. 2012 Audi S4 | 2012 Volvo S60 vs. 2012 BMW 3-Series | 2012 Volvo S60 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
