I was neck and neck in my 99.5 2.8QMS with a one of those Volvo AWD turbos from a stop light until we hit some curves and he lost out. The handling of most Volvos doesn't even come close to the A4.

But, man, that was a surprise. Those wagons don't look fast, like the RS4 does.

I haven't driven it yet but I have sat in it. The interior didn't impress me and no AWD available or V6 available. It costs less money but then you get less also.

I think I'd take a Passat over it(not to knock the Passat).

I know how you feel. I took delivery in june of a 2.8 quattro with with sport package, sunroof, bose, and as much as i like to drive it, I'm paranoid about parking lots. I travel quite a bit for work and refuse to leave it at the airport. When I call home I can't help but ask my wife about my car. She always says it's great and she appreciates that I left it home for her to drive.I Don't know wich is worse leaving it at the airport or leaving it with her.

Also, the S40, V40 only come in front wheel drive. AWD only on the T5 wagon and Cross country. I'll take A4 anyday. It'll be interesting to see who and how much performance items they will encounter with the 1.9L turbo. Maybe a direct competitor to the Front Track 1.8T.

BTW, Road&Track Oct 99 has an S4 vs Volvo T5 and Viggen. S4 faster to 60mph by more than 1/2 sec. 1/4 mile too. S4 also much better at Slalom and other tests.

nt

That's my first impression of the S40.. I wen't to a Volvo dealer to test drive one and was very dissapointed.. First thing I noticed is the quality of the material that they use are so cheap.. Door handles are plastic and are not even painted to the cars color.. The rest of the interior feels the same way also..

The ride I have to say is very firm ride, but lacks a little in the power department...

I would choose an A4 over S40 anytime....

DMak 1.8TQMS

I also test drove an S40. I was not that impressed either. It's relatively cheap, and has a lot of safety features. But it's not that responsive to drive and didn't have the kind of fun factor that the A4s have. Note that I drove an automatic S40. Also, the cloth interior looks really cheesy. The cloth in a Honda Civic is nicer IMO.

Out of curiousity, I went to see the S40 upclose at a Volvo dealership on a recent Sunday when the place was closed. Although, I didn't drive it, as far as looks are concerned, NO WAY does it come close to the A4. From a distance, you could say it tries to mimic the A4's styling, but in viewing it closer, it definitely has that Volvo "boxiness character". It lacked the sexy, sensuous, sporty styling of the A4. Sorry Volvo, nice try :-)

According to Evo mag review (UK) the S40 chassis is very poor - handling is crap and disappointing drive compared to most current euros. Don't be fooled by BTCC performance.