R-Design v Executive

[The Painter]

Originally Posted by Rentagas

Now accepting the r is only available as a D5 in the uk now:
I was driving to work today and was joined on the ring road by a 10 reg r design D5 which was being driven with the classic attributes of 4x4 drivers -weaving between lanes, no signalling, bullying driving etc. I assume it was a Volvo rep because it had s60 track day shuttle written down the side.
Anyway the driver was desperate to get past my car but couldn't despite the fact I was not having to try too hard. The xc90 was clearly being driven aggressively but it did not have the power.
My car? A mini clubman diesel- hardly a sports car.
I have to say I've never seen the point of go faster sripes etc. And I really can't see the point of driving a car that looks like it goes fast but doesn't.

Glad I've ordered an exec.........

Mmm, is that bulls droppings I smell !

[Rentagas]

Which bit?
D5 auto the only option available in the uk now?
Aggressive bloke in somebody elses 4x4?
Xc90 not as fast as a mini?
Or the fact ive got an exec on order?

It's not surprising as the power to weight is about the same which is my point.

[XC90 2010]

Being faster in heavy traffic is not about the engine performance as much as 'reading' the road ahead and changing lanes at the right time. It's hardly surprising a big Volvo isn't as nippy in the traffic as a Mini!
The R-Design look less like something my Grandfather would buy, compared to the Executive. In Australia we can get all 3 engines in both equipment levels.
For performance go for the 3.2 or 4.4V8. The diesel is about economy and as I've mentioned previously in this forum, mpg is of less relevance in Sydney as the Diesel fuel costs are so high here, there is little cost benefit unless you're doing high mileage of country driving.
Greg

[reggie59]

Originally Posted by Rentagas

Now accepting the r is only available as a D5 in the uk now:
I was driving to work today and was joined on the ring road by a 10 reg r design D5 which was being driven with the classic attributes of 4x4 drivers -weaving between lanes, no signalling, bullying driving etc. I assume it was a Volvo rep because it had s60 track day shuttle written down the side.
Anyway the driver was desperate to get past my car but couldn't despite the fact I was not having to try too hard. The xc90 was clearly being driven aggressively but it did not have the power.
My car? A mini clubman diesel- hardly a sports car.
I have to say I've never seen the point of go faster sripes etc. And I really can't see the point of driving a car that looks like it goes fast but doesn't.

Glad I've ordered an exec.........

putting 4 exhausts on a 0-60 in 11s diesel was always going to be controversial. At least, it is now 9.7s with the new engine... still 4 exhausts is over the top even for 9.7s.

Regarding the mini, a quick internet search return 0-60s in 11.7s so yes, I can believe the XC90 did not have enough juice to overtake.

[lordlichfield]

Originally Posted by Rentagas

Anyway the driver was desperate to get past my car but couldn't despite the fact I was not having to try too hard.

Sounds like you didn't help the situation much either. Wouldn't it have been easier to let this "aggressive" driver go on his way or did you feel a challenge on the cards? And a MINI clubman diesel is actually a pretty nippy car so comparing a big 4x4 diesel with it isn't a true comparison.

[Rentagas]

Originally Posted by lordlichfield

Sounds like you didn't help the situation much either. Wouldn't it have been easier to let this "aggressive" driver go on his way or did you feel a challenge on the cards? And a MINI clubman diesel is actually a pretty nippy car so comparing a big 4x4 diesel with it isn't a true comparison.

I accept this. It was interesting to see how well the xc90 compared to my city car ie accelerating up hills etc. The 200bhp exec I have on order should be a bit better. I am sure the v8 r design lives up to it's promise but I'm afraid the d5 r design is "fur coat and nay nickers" and about as classy.
My mini does not have the twin exhausts, huge wheels, body kit, bonnet scoop and roof spoiler of the faster mini models.