Since the first "R" cars were in the 850 series, I think this is the appropriate section. Anyways, i was on the ultimatecarpage.com site and it seems that some people think a volvo can never compete or rate with a MB or BMW or Audi performance car. I beg to differ(not because I love/own an 850) since most of their arguement is based on the cost of the car and a few more HP/torque or features. It seems a $40+K volvo can never hold it's own with a $50-60K M3/C36/S6. My only rebuttal is, I rarely consider $$$ when comparing cars: Class, drive-train, WEIGHT, engine type(plus torque curve), etc. matters. Those fools, er folks, probably never see/watch european/japanese racing to witness Opels, Vauxhalls(the first car I drove), Nissan(did I say Skyline!) etc. beating BMW and Audis and Volvos all the time.
I think the problem is a combination of things: alot of car-buffs are brain-washed by the car-rags/ads. they read over here(US); We(USA), for the most part, equate Expensive with BETTER. Those other cars are great cars, but I would BET a small fortune they are not way-better than an S60R. And based on some prelim. reviews, I think the volvo is faster to 60mph. Plus with a chip and exos. and intake AND if it's LIGHTER- the competition would be seeing my rear lights! For folks who really know about cars, which do you think is the best of this bunch- STOCK? I say a tie between the S60R and S6!!!!!!!!!!!