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2 of our 3 cars are Volvos, and I have long been and continue to be a Volvo fan. However to describe my new 330i as a "comparatively antique design", even when the object of comparison is the brand new S60, is stretching things a bit. The 330i is an "E46" 3-series which chassis was introduced only 2 years ago for 1999. Furthermore the 330i has a 3 liter engine introduced for 2001 which is an extensively reworked (not just enlarged) version of the previous 2.8 liter engine. The engine management system is new for 2001 and for the first time (in the 3 series) has drive-by-wire. The brakes are substantially larger in 2001 necessitating standard 17" wheels. And I'm probably forgetting other stuff...
Also the statement appears to generalize to the S60's other competitors which is also incorrect. The Mercedes C-class is brand spanking new for 2001. The Lexus IS300 is new to the US, based on the Toyota Altezza which is just a couple or 3 years old. (Although not included in any of the comparisons to date, the upcoming Jaguar X-type and new Audi A4 will be serious competitors too. The S60 has its work cut out for it.)
Truth to tell, I had never owned a BMW before and was a bit nervous about whether or not I had made the right decision. Well, it's been 5+ months now and I'm still grinning ear to ear every time I drive it. And as a bonus the car has been completely flawless from day 1, which is more than I can say for our 1999 V70. It also feels way more solid than either of our Volvos ever felt.
No regrets that I did not buy the S60. Maybe next time around....
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