Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 52 advantages that the Volvo S80 has over the Mazda Mazda6 Sedan.
| MSRP Range | |
| Volvo S80 | |
| Mazda Mazda6 Sedan | |
Engine
The standard engine in the S80 3.0L I6 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the MAZDA6 Sedan 3.7L V6, 300 HP vs. 272 HP.
The S80's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the MAZDA6 Sedan's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| RPM's to Peak Torque | RPM's to Peak HP | |||||
| S80 3.2 3.2L I6 | 3200 | - | ||||
| S80 T6 3.0L I6 | 2100 | 5600 | ||||
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6 | 3200 | - | ||||
| S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6 | 3200 | - | ||||
| S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6 | 2100 | 5600 | ||||
| S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6 | 2100 | 5600 | ||||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus 3.7L V6 | 4250 | 6250 | ||||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring 3.7L V6 | 4250 | 6250 | ||||
With 325 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in S80 3.0L I6 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the MAZDA6 Sedan 3.7L V6, which has 269 lb-ft of torque.
The S80 utilizes more effective sequential electronic fuel injection system than the MAZDA6 Sedan, which uses multi-port fuel injection system. The sequential electronic fuel injection system allows for more precise control of the fuel mixture providing the S80 with improved engine response, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The S80, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the MAZDA6 Sedan, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| Power To Weight Ratio | ||||
| S80 3.2 3.2L I6 | 15.9 | |||
| S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6 | 15.9 | |||
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6 | 15.9 | |||
| S80 T6 3.0L I6 | 13.4 | |||
| S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6 | 13.4 | |||
| S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6 | 13.4 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring 2.5L I4 | 19.6 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport 2.5L I4 | 19.2 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring 2.5L I4 | 19.6 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus 2.5L I4 | 19.6 | |||
Transmission
The Standard adaptive automatic transmission in the S80 is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Optional in the MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport.
The S80 has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Optional in the MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport.
WarrantyBasic Warranty
Volvo's basic warranty provides better coverage than Mazda's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| Basic Warranty Months | Basic Warranty Miles | |||||
| S80 | 48 | 50000 | ||||
| MAZDA6 Sedan | 36 | 36000 | ||||
Corrosion Warranty
Volvo's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Mazda's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| Corrosion Warranty Months | ||||
| S80 | 120 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan | 60 | |||
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The S80 is more fuel efficient than the MAZDA6 Sedan. Superior fuel efficiency makes the S80 both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the MAZDA6 Sedan.
| Fuel Economy Hwy | Fuel Economy City | |||||
| S80 3.2 3.2L I6 | 29 mpg. | 20 mpg. | ||||
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6 | 29 mpg. | 20 mpg. | ||||
| S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6 | 29 mpg. | 20 mpg. | ||||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus 3.7L V6 | 27 mpg. | 18 mpg. | ||||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring 3.7L V6 | 27 mpg. | 18 mpg. | ||||
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
The S80 3.2L I6 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the MAZDA6 Sedan 3.7L V6, 425.5 mi. vs. 388.5 mi.
Safety and SecurityAirbags
Both the S80 and the MAZDA6 Sedan feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The S80 is heavier than the MAZDA6 Sedan, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| Curb Weight AT | ||||
| S80 3.2 | 3,825 lbs. | |||
| S80 T6 | 4,016 lbs. | |||
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus | 3,825 lbs. | |||
| S80 3.2 Platinum | 3,825 lbs. | |||
| S80 T6 Premier Plus | 4,016 lbs. | |||
| S80 T6 Platinum | 4,016 lbs. | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport | 3,329 lbs. | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring | 3,329 lbs. | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus | 3,329 lbs. | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring | 3,329 lbs. | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus | 3,574 lbs. | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring | 3,574 lbs. | |||
The S80 features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:
| Driveline | ||||
| S80 | AWD | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan | FWD | |||
The S80 has Optional cornering lights, which are activated with the turn signals, to provide additional lighting in the direction the vehicle is turning. These lights are Not Available on the MAZDA6 Sedan.
Fog lights are Standard on the S80 but they are Optional on the MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport. Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
The S80 features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the MAZDA6 Sedan.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the S80 but Not Available MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, s Touring Plus). HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
The S80 has Standard perimeter lighting, improving safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. Perimeter lighting is Not Available on the MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring).
The S80 has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, s Touring Plus).
CapacitiesInterior Space
The S80 has more interior space than the MAZDA6 Sedan in the following areas:
| Shoulder Room, Front | Head Room, Rear | |||||
| S80 | 57.4 in. | 38.3 in. | ||||
| MAZDA6 Sedan | 57.3 in. | 37.3 in. | ||||
Cargo Space
The S80 has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
Suspension and HandlingChassis
The S80 is shorter than the MAZDA6 Sedan , 191.0 in. vs. 193.7 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.
The S80's wheelbase is longer than the MAZDA6 Sedan's, 111.6 in. vs. 109.8 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the S80 may provide better handling capability than those on the MAZDA6 Sedan. Details below:
| Tire Aspect Ratio | ||||
| S80 3.2 | 50 | |||
| S80 3.2 Platinum | 50 | |||
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus | 50 | |||
| S80 T6 | 40 | |||
| S80 T6 Platinum | 40 | |||
| S80 T6 Premier Plus | 40 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring | 55 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport | 65 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring | 55 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus | 55 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring | 45 | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus | 55 | |||
In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. Alloy wheels are Not Available on the MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport but are offered as a Standard feature on the S80.
Braking
An Electronic Braking Assistance system, Standard in the S80, measures the speed and force with which the brake pedal has been pushed, determines whether the driver has attempted an emergency stop, and applies any additional brake pressure needed to ensure optimal utilization of the anti-lock brake system. Electronic Braking Assistance is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
With a Standard multi-adjustable power driver seat, the S80 lets drivers customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport.
A multi-adjustable power passenger seat, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort, is more commonly found in the S80 than the MAZDA6 Sedan, as shown below:
| Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat | ||||
| S80 | Standard | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
A front power memory seat is a convenience feature that allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. This feature is more commonly found in the S80 than the MAZDA6 Sedan, as shown below:
| Front Power Memory Seat | ||||
| S80 | Standard | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
The S80 features Standard power front lumbar support giving the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
A heated front seat is Optional in the S80, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, s Touring Plus).
The Optional cooled front seats in the S80 offer increased comfort on very hot days by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. Cooled front seats are Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the S80 but is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, s Touring Plus).
The S80 (3.2 Platinum, 3.2 Premier Plus, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) features a Standard built-in universal remote control system that is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc., then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button. This type of universal control system is Optional in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the S80 than the MAZDA6 Sedan, as shown below.
| Navigational Aid | ||||
| S80 | Standard | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
The S80 has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, s Touring Plus).
The S80 features Standard dual-zone climate controls, allowing the driver and front passenger to control their own climate conditions. Dual-zone climate controls are Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan (i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, s Touring Plus).
The S80 (3.2 Platinum, 3.2 Premier Plus, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) has a Standard compass that helps drivers determine their geographic direction. A compass is Optional in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the S80 allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
The S80 features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the MAZDA6 Sedan.
With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the S80 than in the MAZDA6 Sedan, as shown below:
| Power Sunroof | ||||
| S80 3.2 | Optional | |||
| S80 3.2 Platinum | Optional | |||
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus | Optional | |||
| S80 T6 | Standard | |||
| S80 T6 Platinum | Standard | |||
| S80 T6 Premier Plus | Standard | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan | Not Available | |||
Heated exterior mirrors help improve the driver's visibility. You are more likely to find heated exterior mirrors on the S80 than in the MAZDA6 Sedan, as shown below:
| Heated Exterior Mirror | ||||
| S80 | Standard | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Sport | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan i Touring Plus | Not Available | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Grand Touring | Optional | |||
| MAZDA6 Sedan s Touring Plus | Not Available | |||