Head to Head: 2007 Volvo C70 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Eos

Head to head. Hardtop convertible versus hardtop convertible with sunroof. A couple of years ago, this blog post wouldn’t have even existed. Now there are quite a few of these convertibles on the market, and many of them are affordable machines. Two of the big players are the new Volvo C70 and the yet-to-go-on-sale VW Eos. David Thomas and Mike Hanley took them both out in sunny suburbia last week for an open-air shootout.

DT: I tested the Volvo C70 almost six months ago and still find it to be a terrific multitasker with few rivals. That still holds true after pitting it against the Eos. The handling could be a little tighter — as with almost all Volvos — but this car is about sun-worshipping and looks, and at those things the C70 succeeds. There’s a large trunk that can be accessed with the top down, and really comfortable seats.

The sound system is pleasing to the ears, and the interior finishes are nice to the touch. The C70 also acts much more like a solid coupe with the top up than does the Eos.

MH: While the C70 feels solid when its retractable hardtop is over your head, when the roof is lowered the chassis can shudder a bit if you're driving on a bumpy road. With the top down, the C70's cabin is impressively calm; there's minimal wind rush, even at near-highway speeds. Though adults can fit in the two-place rear seat, it's better suited for kids. But this is a convertible, and isn't it really all about the driver and, possibly, one front passenger?

DT: After all the hype and delays in getting the Eos on U.S. dealer lots, I was excited to get in and see how it held up to the venerable C70. Although it felt a lot smaller inside, the Eos is almost as long as the Volvo. Handling was a bit crisper, but not as responsive as other VWs, like the Jetta. Still, the ride seemed more “fun” than that of the C70. The turbo four-cylinder engine I’ve found so energetic in the VW GTI and Audi A4 seemed underpowered here and therefore did not best the C70 in the speed department. Floor the gas pedal and not much happens until the turbo kicks in. It shouldn’t matter to the convertible driver, but enthusiasts should beware. There is an optional V-6 engine, raising the price nearly $9,000 and putting it in the C70's price range.

There were a lot of nice touches inside the Eos, like a single button to roll down all four windows. This is genius, as is the ability to retract just the glass panel top so drivers can have a sunroof instead of the full convertible. The VW certainly wins on the innovation side.

MH: Volkswagen interiors are among the best in the industry in terms of material quality, and the company pays attention to the smallest details customers are likely to notice. The Eos continues this tradition, though the silver-colored dash accents and buttons on our test car looked a bit out of place. The front seats are comfortable, but like the C70 it's tight in back.

The Eos can have an optional Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission in place of the standard six-speed manual. The automatic's shifts are quick and refined, and it felt better suited to the Eos than when I previously tested it in a GTI. The 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a smooth performer, but it's weighed down by about 400 pounds more in this car than when it's used in the GTI. Changing direction in the Eos is nearly effortless thanks to the highly boosted power steering system.

DT: I’m having a tough time making up my mind here. The price and cool features of the Eos are amazing, while the C70 offers practicality and safety in a more masculine — but just barely — package. That gives it the slight edge for me...but it was close.

MH: Like Dave, I appreciate the Eos' accessible price of entry for a retractable-hardtop convertible. Though the Eos' and Pontiac G6 convertible's sticker prices may be more similar, a few choice options bring the V-6 Eos into C70 territory rather quickly. When it's all about who has the most panache — as it is with these two — the C70 prevails.

Winner: Volvo C70

Related:

Head to Head: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2007 Infiniti G35
2007 Volvo C70: My Take
VW Debuts Eos Highway 1 Concept
Volkswagen Eos Available for Test Drives Only
Cars.comparison: Top-Down Hierarchy

 

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