Remember, this is just *my* opinion. I can't say anything for ownership, but
I test-drove the 2004 Volvo S60R and the 2004 Acura TL, twice each, and I felt
like the Acura won every category except for being front-wheel-drive (I also
was cross-shopping the 2004 Audi S4). I did love the Volvo's seats, and the
concept of the adjustable chassis set-up, but the Acura impressed more overall.
I especially did not like the Volvo's rough idle or noisy exhaust. I love the
sound of a finely tuned V8 or V6, but the Volvo's 5-cylinder was not appealing
to me. So, what did I buy? I'm waiting until September for the release of
the 2005 Acura *RL*, which comes with 300 horsepower and "Super-Handling
All-Wheel-Drive", all for around $45K. It will also feature the world's first
navigation system that takes current traffic updates into your route
consideration. I sure hope it's worth the wait... Or else I might wait until
January 2005 to see the new Infiniti M45/M35 (with all-wheel-drive) or the new
Lexus GS 300 (also with all-wheel-drive)...
Randy
