Volvo of Louisville

Basic Warranty Months

Basic Warranty Miles

Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 58 advantages that the Volvo S80 has over the Subaru Legacy.

MSRP Range
Volvo S80	$37,950 - $45,650
Subaru Legacy	$19,995 - $31,595

Performance

Engine

The standard engine in the S80 3.0L I6 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Legacy 3.6L H6, 300 HP vs. 256 HP.

The S80's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Legacy'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
Legacy 3.6R 3.6L H6	4400	6000
Legacy 3.6R Premium 3.6L H6	4400	6000
Legacy 3.6R Limited 3.6L H6	4400	6000

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 Legacy 3.6L H6, which has 247 lb-ft of torque.

The S80 utilizes more effective sequential electronic fuel injection system than the Legacy, 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 Legacy, 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
	Legacy 2.5i 2.5L H4		19.2
	Legacy 2.5i Limited 2.5L H4		20.1
	Legacy 2.5i Premium 2.5L H4		19.2
	Legacy 3.6R 3.6L H6		13.7
	Legacy 3.6R Limited 3.6L H6		13.7
	Legacy 3.6R Premium 3.6L H6		13.7

Transmission

An adaptive automatic transmission is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, It is able to select optimal shift points and determine the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. You are more likely to find this type of transmission in the S80 than the Legacy, as shown below:


			Adaptive Automatic Transmission
	S80		Standard
	Legacy 2.5GT Limited		Not Available
	Legacy 2.5i		Optional
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		Optional

Manually interactive automatic transmissions give the driver complete gear control, like manually-shifted transmissions, but without the inconvenient clutch. This type of transmission is more commonly found in the S80 than the Legacy, as shown below:


			Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission
	S80		Standard
	Legacy 2.5GT Limited		Not Available
	Legacy 2.5i		Optional
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		Optional

Warranty

Basic Warranty

Volvo's basic warranty provides better coverage than Subaru's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

Corrosion Warranty

Volvo's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Subaru's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).


			Corrosion Warranty Months
	S80		120
	Legacy		60

Economy

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The S80 is more fuel efficient than the Legacy. Superior fuel efficiency makes the S80 both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Legacy.


	Fuel Economy Hwy	Fuel Economy City
S80 3.2 3.2L I6	29 mpg.	20 mpg.
S80 T6 3.0L I6	26 mpg.	-
S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6	29 mpg.	20 mpg.
S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6	29 mpg.	20 mpg.
S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6	26 mpg.	-
S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6	26 mpg.	-
Legacy 3.6R 3.6L H6	25 mpg.	18 mpg.
Legacy 3.6R Premium 3.6L H6	25 mpg.	18 mpg.
Legacy 3.6R Limited 3.6L H6	25 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 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Legacy, as detailed below by trim and engine:


			Driving Distance
	S80 3.2 3.2L I6		425.5 mi.
	S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6		425.5 mi.
	S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6		425.5 mi.
	S80 T6 3.0L I6		388.5 mi.
	S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6		388.5 mi.
	S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6		388.5 mi.
	Legacy		370 mi.

Safety and Security

Airbags

Both the S80 and the Legacy 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 Legacy, 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.
	Legacy 2.5i		3,381 lbs.
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		3,357 lbs.
	Legacy 2.5i Limited		3,423 lbs.
	Legacy 3.6R		3,484 lbs.
	Legacy 3.6R Premium		3,491 lbs.
	Legacy 3.6R Limited		3,529 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The S80 is longer than the Legacy, 191.0 in. vs. 186.4 in.

A Standard locking fuel door/cap on the S80 is a safety feature that prevents unwanted access to the vehicle's fuel tank. This safety feature is Not Available on the Legacy.

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 Legacy.

Fog lights are Standard on the S80 but they are Optional on the Legacy (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium). 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 Legacy.

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the S80 but Not Available Legacy. 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 Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Legacy.

Capacities

Interior Space

The S80 has more interior space than the Legacy in the following areas:

Hip Room, Front

Shoulder Room, Front

Head Room, Rear

Hip Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, Rear

S80

54.8 in.

57.4 in.

38.3 in.

54.7 in.

56.3 in.

Legacy

54.5 in.

56.3 in.

37.5 in.

53.9 in.

56.1 in.

Cargo Space

The S80 has 14.9 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 14.7 cu. ft. in the Legacy. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

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 Legacy.

Suspension and Handling

Chassis

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the S80 is greater than that of the Legacy. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.


	Track, Front	Track, Rear
S80	62.1 in.	62.0 in.
Legacy 2.5i	61.6 in.	-
Legacy 2.5i Premium	61.6 in.	-
Legacy 2.5i Limited	61.6 in.	-
Legacy 2.5GT Limited	61.0 in.	61.2 in.
Legacy 3.6R	61.6 in.	-
Legacy 3.6R Premium	61.6 in.	-
Legacy 3.6R Limited	61.6 in.	-

The S80's wheelbase is longer than the Legacy's, 111.6 in. vs. 108.3 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 Legacy. 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
	Legacy 2.5GT Limited		45
	Legacy 2.5i		60
	Legacy 2.5i Limited		50
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		60
	Legacy 3.6R		50
	Legacy 3.6R Limited		50
	Legacy 3.6R Premium		50

In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. Alloy wheels are Optional on the Legacy 2.5i but are offered as a Standard feature on the S80.

Advantages

Additional 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 Legacy (2.5i, 3.6R).

The Standard multi-adjustable power passenger seat in the S80 allows the front seat passenger to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. Multi-adjustable power passenger seats are Not Available in the Legacy (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium).

The S80 has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Not Available in the Legacy.

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 Legacy (2.5i, 3.6R).

A heated front seat is Optional in the S80, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Legacy 3.6R.

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 Legacy.

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 Legacy (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium).

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 Legacy.

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 Legacy, as shown below.


			Navigational Aid
	S80		Standard
	Legacy 2.5GT Limited		Optional
	Legacy 2.5i		Not Available
	Legacy 2.5i Limited		Optional
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		Not Available
	Legacy 3.6R		Not Available
	Legacy 3.6R Limited		Optional
	Legacy 3.6R Premium		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 Legacy (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium).

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 Legacy (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium).

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 Legacy.

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 Legacy.

The S80 features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Legacy.

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 Legacy, 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
	Legacy 2.5i		Not Available
	Legacy 2.5i Limited		Optional
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		Optional
	Legacy 3.6R		Not Available
	Legacy 3.6R Limited		Optional
	Legacy 3.6R Premium		Optional

Heated exterior mirrors help improve the driver's visibility. You are more likely to find heated exterior mirrors on the S80 than in the Legacy, as shown below:


			Heated Exterior Mirror
	S80		Standard
	Legacy 2.5i		Optional
	Legacy 2.5i Premium		Optional
	Legacy 3.6R		Not Available