After I've spent some seat time in the 380SE, it's pretty hard to get back into the 740 Turbo. I miss a rattle-free cabin, leather seats, and the refined nature of a small V-8 compared to a large turbo Four.

And maybe the 740 just needs some suspension work and better tires, but the 380SE has much more tenacious levels of grip through 25 mph onramps taken at 45-50. The 740's tail will start to step out slightly through these manuvers, and the tires will be a-squealin'.

Plus, the 740 is blessed with 22 mpg highway fuel economy and a fifteen gallon tank of gas. Do I stop for gas alot? Oh yeah.

Sure, the 380SE doesn't do much better, but it's gotten a solid 24 mpg on a highway trip over the pass to Seattle, and sports a 23.8 gallon fuel tank.

At least the Volvo has a non-interference engine design. It also is incredibly durable, and seems to be inclined to run forever with normal maintenance and care.

Guess which one I feel better about driving on forest service roads up in the mountains...

-Sam