I'm trying to compare an 05 TL 6MT to an 05 volvo s60 t5. The t5 for this volvo produces 258 hp and 257 torque (at 2,100k) but weighs a bit more I believe. But I also live in colorado, where we have high altitude so it makes me wonder if a turbo would be faster. I understand this is a TL forum but lets try and be fair with the pros and cons, which would be a better pick and why?

 

this.

 

But I'm not comparing it to an M3 I'm comparing it to the TL. And i'm wondering about the T5 not the R. Plus Top Gear is fun to watch and all, but they have a little too much of a german bias, on everything haha. I'm really curious about the high altitude, I'm sure someone has to know how it alters the output of turbo engines versus naturally aspired engines

 

lol, i just like what he said.

 

To 80 he wins, to 80 plus you start winning.

 

It's a Volvo... get a TL.

 

Lol thats not a reason! I like volvos, the s60 at least. Don't mean to keep bumping...but anybody on the altitude/performance question?

 

I was in the same shoes as you before I bought my TL....

Unless you are getting a Type-R, DO NOT GET an S60.

1. Not as well built as the TL
2. Doesn't look nearly as sweet
3. I live in CO too. Turbo and 4WD really are not a necessity! I go to vail every weekend and snow tires and a VTEC V6 have given me no problems getting up there
4. Wait until you get your first S60 repair bill.
5. Volvos are considered safer I guess, but the TL has the same or similar crash systems
6. Resale on newer volvo's (older ones were tanks!) sucks. In Colorado, TL resale value is high because they are extremely hard to find.
7. The plastic side panels on volvo's are a joke. I can't believe they think that looks good.

Side note: get a stick! Volvo in an auto (not sure if the S60 non-R comes in a stick) will be a nightmare when the tranny goes out.

So i guess in conclusion, either get a type-R or a TL 6sp. Throw the S60 T5 out the window

 

def get the tl ... volvos are ugly IMO

 

The S60R's have horrendous reliability issues so that doesn't really make sense to dismiss a t5, since they are far more reliable. The 05+ s60's are well built cars. Also the TL's resale value is high all around the US, not just in CO. The 6MT is even higher. S60's resale value is a bit lower though, and repairs will cost more I agree. TL's are notorious for tranny failure so you cant really compare haha, the only models w/ common tranny failure for the s60 t5 are the 01-03. So that being said...they are fairly even.

 

Yeah it is all opinion for sure, I like the s60 a lot.
http://imganuncios.mitula.net/black_...0054457271.jpg

With 5 spoke R rims they look even better