I have been fortunate enough over the years to have had several cars, a majority of which have been performance based cars. In the latest years I have migrated toward Volvos for reasons probably apparent to the enthusiasts here. To meet the needs of a family though, I have gotten away from performance oriented cars somewhat, the notable exception being the XC60 T6 R-Design my wife now drives, and the 2004 V70R I had for a time, both of which are a pretty good compromise of family utility and fun, especially the XC60RD T6 
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As my kids have graduated and begun to pursue their passions, I have found myself considering returning toward the performance end of the spectrum, maybe to even do a little auto crossing for fun. Since I like AWD platforms, one of the alternatives I have been considering has been the Subaru WRX or WRX STI. I considered the BRZ, but ruled it out as it's a little down on power, and is RWD.
But as I have considered the WRX, I have found that several of the current Volvo models offer interesting, if not compelling alternatives.
My preference, for budgetary reasons, is to keep both the initial cost low by buying a used car, and to keep costs for modifications as low as possible. I'd also like to retain as much utility as possible since this is my daily driver.
I have noticed that quite a few people here also own Subarus, or have come here from Subarus. So I thought it might be interesting to post a thread on the subject here to: get objective feedback on the subject from Subaru owners; to benefit from those who have similar priorities to mine and may have even gone through the same thought process; and to also make these observations available to others on the web that might be searching for WRX alternatives.
Observations on what I see as relative strengths, and weaknesses of the WRX:
Observations on Volvo alternatives: I see several viable alternatives to the WRX within the Volvo line, to some degree on a progression dependent on: how much ground clearance you need, and how much room and storage you need. The S60 begins with a size and stance most similar to the WRX, the V60 adds ground clearance and room, the V60CC more clearance, with the XC60 next in the clearance and room continuum. Of course, the center of gravity gets progressively higher as the room increases, so the further away from the S60 you move, the more driving performance you trade off.
Advantages/disadvantages of these Volvo platforms:
So overall, my conclusion is that the Volvo platforms make a compelling case as a potential alternative to the WRX for many reasons, for me personally with my priorities, especially if modified with some of the Polestar, KPAX, Heico, IPD, Elevate, Viva, bits and pieces. My intuition tells me that they are safer, competitive, and have overall more content, and perhaps long-term value than the Subaru, though with a few disadvantages. The unknowns for me are how the relative reliability stacks up for each, especially if modded. And ultimately whether a modded Volvo would yield the same driving enjoyment inherent in the WRX.
Any thoughts, perspectives, experience and opinions are welcome. I reserve the inalienable right to be wrong.
Thanks for any input.
.As my kids have graduated and begun to pursue their passions, I have found myself considering returning toward the performance end of the spectrum, maybe to even do a little auto crossing for fun. Since I like AWD platforms, one of the alternatives I have been considering has been the Subaru WRX or WRX STI. I considered the BRZ, but ruled it out as it's a little down on power, and is RWD.
But as I have considered the WRX, I have found that several of the current Volvo models offer interesting, if not compelling alternatives.
My preference, for budgetary reasons, is to keep both the initial cost low by buying a used car, and to keep costs for modifications as low as possible. I'd also like to retain as much utility as possible since this is my daily driver.
I have noticed that quite a few people here also own Subarus, or have come here from Subarus. So I thought it might be interesting to post a thread on the subject here to: get objective feedback on the subject from Subaru owners; to benefit from those who have similar priorities to mine and may have even gone through the same thought process; and to also make these observations available to others on the web that might be searching for WRX alternatives.
Observations on what I see as relative strengths, and weaknesses of the WRX:
- First and foremost would be the exciting driving experience. This car's linage is that of world rally racing. So the focus of this car is on driving primarily, with many other considerations secondary. It is compact and maneuverable with a short turning radius.
- Following this focus is the ready availability, and affordability, of aftermarket parts for tuning these cars. The down side of this is that it is rare to find a WRX that is not already modified, often heavily so, and often rode hard and put up wet.
- These cars retain their value very well, because they are much in demand. A downside if buying used because the used prices approach those of new models. Asking prices often reflect the owners desire to try to minimize loss on modifications.
- Though very much a drivers car, they retain their functionality as useful and versatile daily drivers.
- The WRX is relatively simple in its construction, and therefore relatively ease to work on and maintain.
Observations on Volvo alternatives: I see several viable alternatives to the WRX within the Volvo line, to some degree on a progression dependent on: how much ground clearance you need, and how much room and storage you need. The S60 begins with a size and stance most similar to the WRX, the V60 adds ground clearance and room, the V60CC more clearance, with the XC60 next in the clearance and room continuum. Of course, the center of gravity gets progressively higher as the room increases, so the further away from the S60 you move, the more driving performance you trade off.
Advantages/disadvantages of these Volvo platforms:
- In the AWD versions, and especially the T6 drivetrain variants, the power and handling of the S60 platform is arguably competitive, with slight handling advantage perhaps to the WRX.
- The Volvo weighs about 300 lbs. more than the WRX, and therefore weight associated disadvantages in handling, braking, etc are present. The turning radius is slightly larger by about three feet in the Volvo.
- The Volvos are more complex especially in regard to their proprietary computer systems, therefore more difficult to modify in many cases. However the same systems often offer opportunity for tuning, if the tuner can absorb the cost of admission.
- Vehicles tuned and modified by Polestar, KPAX, Heico, IPD, Viva and others, dependent on how much you want to invest, and how many engineering tradeoffs you are willing to absorb, are definitely competitive and comparable to the WRX platform.
- The initial depreciation on the Volvos is higher, though if buying used, is an advantage since you get more content per dollar.
- Though safety ratings are very similar with the WRX, I believe the safety edge definitely goes to Volvo. I have a friend who oversees repair QC for a major insurance company, sees dozens of wrecked cars every day, and he tells me the Volvo is definitely the safest, with Subaru close behind. Meeting or beating the tests is one thing; seeing the actual field results of a variety of wrecks is another.
- The Volvo vehicles are probably far more plentiful and easier to find, generally better cared for and in unmodified condition.
- The Volvo platform is decidedly more understated, and refined overall.
So overall, my conclusion is that the Volvo platforms make a compelling case as a potential alternative to the WRX for many reasons, for me personally with my priorities, especially if modified with some of the Polestar, KPAX, Heico, IPD, Elevate, Viva, bits and pieces. My intuition tells me that they are safer, competitive, and have overall more content, and perhaps long-term value than the Subaru, though with a few disadvantages. The unknowns for me are how the relative reliability stacks up for each, especially if modded. And ultimately whether a modded Volvo would yield the same driving enjoyment inherent in the WRX.
Any thoughts, perspectives, experience and opinions are welcome. I reserve the inalienable right to be wrong.
Thanks for any input.
