Hi Paul,
I was asking myself the very same question before I settled on the S60. It all depends on your circumstances off course. You have to keep these things in mind.
- The first year S60 is more reliable then the first year S80. This is probably because the S80 was in production for two years before the S60 came out, so no doubt they applied what they learned on the S80 to the 2001 S60.
- The S60 is smaller and sportier, the S80 is larger, more luxury oriented, and not quite as nimble as the S60. I test drove both cars (base model) and I felt that the S60 was quicker on the start. I also test drove an S60 T5, its performance was better off course, but its not a sports car, and the suspension is stiff.
- The S60 rear seat is fine for average to smaller sized people, but taller people will feel a bit cramped. The S80 is fine in terms of rear seat room.
- If you live in the city, the S60 will be easier to park since it is not as large as the S80. If you live in the suburbs, and do alot of road trips, the S80 will be more comfortable, and their will be more trunk space.

So, in the end, I just last week bought a 2001 S60 2.4T. It gives me a little more kick then the 2.4, but is a softer ride then the T5. I am in my late twenties, I don't have a high demand for tall people sitting in my back seat, and I live in the city, so I feel the S60 was the better choice for me, and in my opinion the better value overall. As I said, if you are a wealthy person with a grown family living in the suburbs, the S80 may be a better choice for you. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Amr