2014 Volvo S80 vs. 2014 Audi A6
With a refreshed front end for 2014 and a sumptuous interior featuring the most comfortable seating in its class, the 2014 Volvo S80 is more than a serious competitor when compared to the BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. In fact when compared to the Audi A6 we think the advantages of the S80 are so overwhelming that an informed buying decision can only favor the Volvo S80.
Let's first look at the basic specs:
- MSRP: $40,815
- Engine: 240 hp 3.2L Inline 6 Cylinder
- Transmission: 6 Speed Shiftable Automatic
- Interior Volume: 112.6 cubic ft.
- Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs.
- Memory Settings: 3 Drivers
- Instrument Cluster: Custom Display
- MSRP: $43,995
- Engine: 220 hp 2.0 L Inline 4 Cylinder
- Transmission: Continuous Variable-speed Transmission (CVT)
- Interior Volume: 111.3 cubic ft.
- Towing Capacity: NA
- Memory Settings: 2 Drivers
- Instrument Cluster: Fixed Display
Volvo versus Audi
Let's start with basics like power. In order for the A6 to equal the horsepower of the inline 6 cylinder in the base 2014 Volvo S80 an Audi buyer would have to upgrade from the base 4 cylinder to the optional 3.0 V6. The base S80 provides more horses than the base A6 and handling in the curves meets the high standards of most luxury motorists. However, an upgrade to the T6 trim provides all-wheel drive (AWD), 19'' wheels and a Sport Chassis upgrade for a more exciting, sporting ride that changes the whole personality of the 2014 Volvo S80.
Comparing interiors in the luxury class is largely a question of personal taste but we believe that the unique styling of the Swedes will appeal to the majority of buyers. Leather seating, polished wood inlays, a 7-inch color monitor, dual-zone climate control, a pollen filter and much more all come standard in the 2014 Volvo S80. If you like concert quality audio then you will appreciate an audio system that puts out 160 watts via eight speakers and includes an AM/FM/CD/HD radio with iPod, USB and auxiliary inputs.
Safety Features
And then there is safety, a category that not only the A6 but most brands can't successfully compare to Volvo's technology and legacy of safety.
In the new IIHS crash test, the one that knocked out many popular brands, the S80 earned the top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact, roof strength and head restraint/seat tests. A positive trend in the automotive industry is the focus on safety technology. New technologies are capable of amazing accident avoidance and mitigation. The only question today is how much you have to pay to get them.
The Audie A6 base unit comes with Pre-Sense basic. This technology will sense if you are too close to the vehicle in front of you or, if a collision is imminent, it will sound an alarm, snug the seatbelts and close the windows and sunroof. The system is capable of more but if you want it you have to buy it.
The 2014 Volvo S80 comes with the City Safe system as standard equipment. The City Safe system works at city street speeds and cannot only detect an imminent collision with the vehicle directly in front but the sudden stop or maneuver of the vehicle ahead of it. The system sounds an alarm, snugs the seat belts, adjusts the headrests, closes the windows and if the driver doesn't take action, brakes the car to a stop.
Choose Volvo of Bonita Springs in FL!
Our urban corridor from Cape Coral to Naples, including Estero, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs doesn't really have that big a population but it seems that we all hit the road at the same time. A system that can prevent bumper to bumper traffic accidents is highly relevant to our customers.
If you are looking for greater power, equal or better interior appointments and superior safety you have to give the S80 serious consideration over the Audi A6.
Written By: Joe Parisi