S40 poor interstate driving???

[Alex Lazarevich]

I'm considering a Passat GLS 1.8T, or a Volvo S40 2.4i with 5-speed manual.

One thing that worries me about the Volvo are some consumer comments I
see on Edmunds, that state: "The car drives excellent on the back roads
but interstate driving is poor". I saw this comment in several posts but
no one was specific as to what they meant. I drive often on the
interstate, so I'm concerned about this. Anyone have any idea what those
people were talking about?

Thanks!

Alex

 

[James Sweet]

I'm considering a Passat GLS 1.8T, or a Volvo S40 2.4i with 5-speed manual.

One thing that worries me about the Volvo are some consumer comments I
see on Edmunds, that state: "The car drives excellent on the back roads
but interstate driving is poor". I saw this comment in several posts but
no one was specific as to what they meant. I drive often on the
interstate, so I'm concerned about this. Anyone have any idea what those
people were talking about?

Thanks!

Alex

Usually I find cars are the other way around, but perhaps it's a bit
underpowered or wanders in the grooves in the road? Best advice would be to
test drive one on the highway and see what you think. What annoys one person
you might not even notice, or vice versa.

 

[Stephen Henning]

I'm considering a Passat GLS 1.8T, or a Volvo S40 2.4i with 5-speed manual.

One thing that worries me about the Volvo are some consumer comments I
see on Edmunds, that state: "The car drives excellent on the back roads
but interstate driving is poor". I saw this comment in several posts but
no one was specific as to what they meant. I drive often on the
interstate, so I'm concerned about this. Anyone have any idea what those
people were talking about?

If you read the Edmunds reviews they say:

"Sharper handling than you would expect from a Volvo"
"The new S40 is fun to drive"
"Firm suspension can be choppy on the highway"
"The S40 looks, acts, feels and performs exactly the way we think an
entry-level Volvo should."
"This small Swede is certainly a worthwhile addition to your shopping
list."
"Volvo tuned the S40 to take performance much more seriously than the
previous-generation model."
"Handling is crisp and entertaining, though the standard tires are taxed
by more aggressive cornering."
"The downside to the S40's sharp reflexes is that cruising comfort
suffers."
"Firm suspension can be choppy on the highway"


Personally I like sharp handling and firm suspensions. Most of the
mush-mobiles cruise nicely but don't handle well off the interstate.

 

[Rob Guenther]

A few harsh impacts on the highway expansion joints are a small price to pay
for a car that could handle and not lose it on really big
impacts/depressions in the road.

 

[~^ beancounter ~^]

it could just be a matter of wheelbase and weight...right?
i mean, a car (volvo) feels a certain way, or has a "road
presense" based of weight, mass...and wheel base, or tyres
etc....

so, a smaller, lighter car wont't ness feel the same...getting
buffetted by the wind...as it drives up behind a 18 wheeler, doing
70mph...and pulling out from behind to pass...same as the trucks
whiz by, in the other lane...on two lane highways...it will be a trade
off for better fuel effeciency...no??

 

[Sheldon Rabin]

With 4800 miles on a Volvo S40 T5 2004.5 steering is vague at speed on I-15
and sensitive to crosswinds. Toe-in and camber at factory spec. Saab 2002 95
Aero with 21,000 miles on it better on same road with fuel consumption less
at >31mpg, RON 91. Volvo is coming in at about 27mpg, RON 91. Both are using
Mobil 1 10W30. Saab normally uses this oil but I had to have Volvo add it
for me.
Shelly Rabin

 

[~^ beancounter ~^]

my 1993 940t w 240,000 miles...at interstate speeds
in colorado (75-85mpg) no drift, tight steering, less
drift (due to crosswinds and opposing loaded 18 wheelers
on 2 lane highways) that other cars i have driven, including
the 240's.....no oil consumption...
i am not sure of my weight and wheel base...