Verified answer

volvo has a nice sound system, but not sure which one is louder because the radios are engineered by volvo engineers themselves and i vaguely remember reading in the manual something about a sound limiter because it is not 'safe' to listen to loud music, i can tell you that i have an xc-90 5x130 watt, 12 speakers and can here it with all the windows open and sunroof to about 100 feet away.

s-60 has

4x75 watt, 13 speakers or

4x50 watt, 8 speakers

s80

5x130 watt 12 speakers or

4x40 watt 8 speakers

Ergonomically, the 2002 unit in the S80 leaves a lot to be desired (try a simple task like changing a preset radio station). However, we're not judging car audio systems on their ergonomics here. We're judging solely on sound quality, and the Volvo's Dolby Pro Logic system definitely belongs in this group.

Some newer Volvo's have been introduced with an optional Dolby Pro Logic II system, which takes advantage of Dolby Laboratories' latest research and development in the area of matrixed surround sound. However, the S80's solid and very quiet cabin offers some sonic advantages over the lesser Volvo models. Hence, it's the S80 that makes the grade here.

2nd

the car that has a 'W' button right next to the gear shifter knob

my family refers to it as the "WOW' button but really stands for 'wet/rain'

the xc90 and all XC models offer this button as a standard option weather or not it is all wheel drive

go with the S80 it's bigger and safe i used a loaner car in the winter time in CT