I've test driven the V70R over 100mph, and I was definitely not a fan of the prevalent torque steer.

Otherwise, I thought it was a nice overall vehicle.

I think the R versions are sportier, relatively speaking, then the average Volvos, but are not on par with other sportier european makes.

It would take extensive modifications to get it to a level where a hard core enthusiast might be satisfied, and even then, probably not.

If performance is your goal, probably better to look at other offerings, but again, Volvo makes some nice vehicles. Just depends on what you are looking for.

 

Hi guys - I know I'm straying into the 1st gen MINI threads, but nobody mentioned the depreciation values of the two cars. MINIs only depreciate about $200 a year...I don't know of any other car manufacturer that can say THAT!

My friends owned one of those Volvos. While it looks nice, and I'm sure has wonderful crash-test results... They were highly dissatisfied with it, and wished they had gotten a MINI like I did.

Puma|MINI -- +1!!! Passengers in a ball holding on for dear life is SO much more fun than knowing you own a Volvo.

 

I've owned and ridden a lot of motorcycles, including various Soft Tails, and a Harley might not be everyone's first preference for a cross country trip. But it all depends on the rider, the specific HD model, and what you want to get out of the trip.

In any event, riding almost any motorcycle cross country would definitely be an adventure, and it's something I have not done.

I do miss the annual trips with staff or friends from So Cal to Laguna Seca to work or watch World Superbike, taking every piece of twisty asphalt between here and there.

Now, the E30, that would be awesome. Good luck in your search. I wonder how many are stashed in garages, since I don't see many around anymore. Always loved the purity of that car, but only have limited experience driving them. So raw and fun.

 

who cares about straight lines?

 

Hey Slickfast if you do buy the Volvo I have a beige suit you can have

Go for the Mini you'll never regret it. You can always buy a Volvo when you retire.

 

Psssh... If that! Hell, the 2007's actually went UP in value a couple of months ago! That's what you call AWESOME!!!

Oh hell yeah! My roommate owns the S40, and he's never, NEVER beaten me in the corners. I"ve only once been afraid in his car when it's turning, and that was when we took an off camber, downhill turn too fast and almost flipped.

Mini's FTMFW!!! I think you see that you've got a consensus here bud. But here's the last bit of advice I"ll give: Go test drive them both. Come back and tell us which one put a bigger smile on your face. Then post pix of your new Mini.

 

If you dont buy a mini i will mourn for you.
after buying mine i cant imagine life without it its the best.
though those RMW parts help alot.(shameless plug)

 

thanks for the support guys! I had an idea yesterday and asked the volvo guys at swedespeed.com about my situation. some of them left some interesting comments ...

Great thanks for the info! Just curious have any of you guys test driven or driven a cooper s?


-I've never driven one, but a few years ago one of those pesky things kept lapping me at Watkins Glen. That thing owned the track.

-Yes, and one or two guys own one. Completely different experience. Completely. It's like a go-kart. Do not think of the R as a competitor to a sports car, or even a traditional sports sedan. You will be disappointed. You're not going to go head to head with Evos, STi's, Mini's, R32's, M3's, etc. This is not what this car is about. Sure, it can be modded to perform pretty well. But in the end, it's a sporty Volvo, nothing more. It's a great car, and I'm happy to own one, but you have to look at it for what it is.

That last post pretty much says it all for me. On the bright side I think it will be a GREAT family hauler when i get to that stage of my life!

 

Actually, a CLUBMAN (!) would be a great family hauler when you get there! Lol... No, but seriously, the Volvo would be. They are great cars, but the guys there at Swedespeed are right - it's a comfortable cruiser, not much more.

So, I take it you've decided to continue on the Mini trail, and I wish you the best of luck! We'll be looking for your garage post soon! Congrats!