I am currently in the market for a new Volvo s40. I have decided on the T5 version.

This is my problem:

I have a choic of a T5 with Xenon headlights, 17 inch wheels (no sports suspension) and T-Tec interior.

2nd choice is a T5 (No Xenons) 17 inch wheels with the sports suspension, and leather interior.

I cannot make up my mind on which one to get. The major difference in the two are one has sports suspension and leather and the other has the Xenons I like and no sports suspension but 17s and it has the T-Tec.

I have heard the T-Tec is not as cushy as the leather, which supposedly has more padding. How does the T-Tec hold up?

Also, I am not sure how the sports suspension will handle. I am not too aggressive of a driver, but I do like the car to handle well and to place it right where I want it at both low and higher speeds. Anyone have any adice as to how the cars will handle with 17s..and with or without the sports suspension?

I currently have an s60 2.4t with 17s on it and the thing I am not pleased with is the handling. Although adequate...I feel that sometimes I can feel a bit of body roll when turning corners, even at slow speeds. It's nothing major...but I am not sure if the s40s with or without sport suspension will have this issue.

Also, I live in an urban area with brick roads..how harsh would it be with or without the sports suspension on the s40 T5?

Can anyone help? I due to get the car this week..by 12/17/2004. Please email me direct at: sboku@aol.com.

Thank you!!

I would always go for the one without the leather, but I'm a vegetarian. I would like to get rid of the leather on the steering wheel someday. Life is not perfect and neither is my S40 T5, but it is fun and the best I've ever owned. T-Tec looks like it will hold up well, but I only have 2,600 miles on it. As far as suspension goes, I found the standard T5 suspension with 16 inch wheels to offer an excellent balance of handling and comfort. I wouldn't trade the marginal increase in handling for the reduced comfort and extra cost of suspension mods. But that's just one vegetarian opinion. Gotta go. Time for a Gardenburger.

hey, i think i can help you

i own a t-tec s40 t5, and I thought I wouldnt like it because Im a HUGE leather guy.

...and I love it more than leather now. Its more comfortable, looks better, and doesnt have huge temperature changes.

go with black t-tec...so sleek and sporty...yet clean and luxurious.

Goodluck

Later,
agc525

Also, I live in an urban area with brick roads..how harsh would it be with or without the sports suspension on the s40 T5?

I would definately seriously test drive both the sports suspension and the normal T5 suspension that presumably I have. Drive it on those brick roads and see what you think.
For some reason I thought the sport suspension came with all T5s??? Maybe not, I see there is something called Dynamic Sport Suspension in the Dynamic Trim Package - might be yet another level of sport suspension configuration.
I love the handling that for me is firm and right-on but I feel ike I can feel every small bump in the road. Can't imagine what the sport suspension would be like if it isn't OEM. Concrete roads with frequent expansion joints are really felt imo. Window sticker does not mention sport suspension that I can tell. Tires are around 37-38psi while the book recommends 32 so I am going to reduce pressure to ~34 for a while till she breaks in at least.
Leather all the way!! Car interior is nice with the leather, I have the lighter shade option.
Wish I had the Xenons!

Good luck with your choice.

if ur going for performance go with the sports package if ur going for luxury go for the xenon and t-tec... plain and simple
although if u are looking to put aftermarket suspension parts into it later, there is no point in getting the stock suspension, u can just make improvements, no need to spend the extra money