The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Volvo S60 represent two completely different philosophies about what a luxury sedan should be. The Giulia is built around driving engagement - sharp steering, rear-wheel-drive balance, and an engine that rewards spirited driving. The S60 prioritizes composed comfort, a quiet cabin, and one of the most comprehensive safety suites in any sedan at any price. Both start under $50,000. Both look exceptional. The right choice depends entirely on what you value behind the wheel.
Bottom Line:
- The Giulia is the driver’s car - rear-wheel drive, near-perfect weight distribution, and a more visceral driving experience
- The S60 is the comfort car - quieter cabin, more standard safety tech, available plug-in hybrid
- Both offer AWD options, premium interiors, and competitive pricing
- If your commute on the LIE or Northern State feels boring, the Giulia fixes that
- If you want a calm, refined daily driver with maximum safety, the S60 delivers
Performance: Italian Fire vs Swedish Composure
The driving experience is where these two sedans diverge most dramatically.
| Spec | Alfa Romeo Giulia | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Base engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, 256 hp | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, 247 hp |
| Performance variant | Quadrifoglio: 2.9L V6, 505 hp | Polestar Engineered (PHEV): 455 hp |
| Standard drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| AWD available | Yes (Ti AWD) | Yes (available) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph (base) | ~5.1 seconds | ~5.9 seconds |
| Weight distribution | Near 50/50 | Front-biased |
The Giulia’s rear-wheel-drive layout and near-perfect weight distribution make it one of the best-handling sedans in its class - full stop. On Long Island’s winding North Shore roads between Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor, or opening it up on a clear stretch of the Northern State, the Giulia feels alive in a way most luxury sedans don’t. The steering communicates directly with the road surface.
The S60 is composed, predictable, and smooth. It’s not slow - 247 horsepower moves it along confidently - but it doesn’t chase the same emotional response. It’s designed to make your commute stress-free, not exciting. For many Long Island drivers, that’s exactly what they want after a long day.
For a full breakdown of the Giulia’s performance and features, see our Alfa Romeo Giulia review.
Interior and Comfort
Both interiors punch well above their base price, but they feel distinctly different.
Alfa Romeo Giulia interior:
- Driver-focused cockpit layout - controls angled toward the driver
- Available leather and Alcantara with Italian craftsmanship
- Carbon fiber trim available on sport trims
- 8.8-inch touchscreen with rotary controller
- Harman Kardon premium audio available
- Compact, sports-car-inspired steering wheel
Volvo S60 interior:
- Minimalist Scandinavian design - clean lines, open feeling
- Portrait-oriented 9-inch touchscreen (Google-based infotainment)
- Available Bowers & Wilkins concert-hall audio system
- Genuine wood and metal trim
- More rear legroom than the Giulia
- Quieter cabin at highway speeds
The S60 has a slight edge in rear passenger comfort - important if you’re regularly carrying adults in the back. The Giulia prioritizes the driver’s seat experience above all else.
Safety
Volvo’s reputation for safety is well-earned, and the S60 reflects it. Standard features across all trims include:
- Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving
- City Safety auto-braking (cars, pedestrians, cyclists)
- Run-off road mitigation
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The Giulia offers a competitive safety suite with standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. But Volvo’s system is generally more comprehensive at the base level and includes features like large-animal detection and oncoming-lane mitigation that the Giulia doesn’t match.
Both earn strong crash-test ratings. If safety technology is your primary concern, the S60 has the edge.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
| Fuel economy (approx.) | Alfa Romeo Giulia | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| City | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| Highway | 33 MPG | 34 MPG |
| Combined | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| PHEV option | No | Yes (~40 miles electric) |
The S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid can cover roughly 40 miles on electric power alone - potentially enough for a round-trip commute from Westbury to Manhattan without using gas. The Giulia has no hybrid or electric variant. For buyers focused on reducing fuel costs, the S60 offers more flexibility.
"People who cross-shop the Giulia with the S60 usually know exactly what they want after one test drive. The Giulia is for buyers who love driving - they feel the difference in the first turn. If you want something that makes the commute disappear, both work. But if you want something that makes the commute fun, the Giulia is in a class of its own."
General Manager, Westbury Alfa Romeo
Pricing and Value
| Trim | Alfa Romeo Giulia | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ~$46,000 (Sprint) | ~$42,000 (Core) |
| Mid-range | ~$48,500 (Ti) | ~$45,000 (Plus) |
| Performance | ~$83,000 (Quadrifoglio) | ~$53,000 (Polestar Engineered) |
The S60 starts a few thousand dollars lower and its performance variant is substantially less expensive than the Quadrifoglio. The Giulia Quadrifoglio is a different animal entirely - a 505-hp, track-capable sedan that competes with the BMW M3, not the S60.
For most Nassau County buyers comparing these at the mid-range level, the price difference is modest. The decision should be driven by driving preference, not budget.
For help comparing total ownership costs including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, try our Cost of Ownership Calculator.
Ready to feel the difference? Browse Giulia inventory at Westbury Alfa Romeo or schedule a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia reliable?
Modern Alfa Romeo reliability has improved significantly from the brand’s older reputation. The Giulia shares some components with other Stellantis vehicles and is covered by a competitive warranty. Regular maintenance at a factory-authorized service center like Westbury Alfa Romeo helps ensure long-term reliability. Our guide to driving Italian on Long Island covers ownership in more detail.
Does the Volvo S60 come with AWD?
AWD is available on the S60 but not standard on every trim. The base S60 is front-wheel drive. If AWD is important for Long Island winter driving, confirm the specific configuration includes it before purchasing.
Which sedan is better for Long Island commuting?
Both are excellent commuter cars. The S60 is quieter and has a slightly softer ride - better if your priority is comfort during stop-and-go traffic. The Giulia is more engaging - better if you want your commute to feel less like a chore. Neither is a wrong answer for Nassau or Suffolk County daily driving.
Can I get the Giulia in AWD?
Yes. The Giulia Ti AWD adds all-wheel drive to the lineup. It’s a popular choice for New York buyers who want the Giulia’s driving dynamics with added winter traction. The AWD system is rear-biased, preserving the car’s sport-sedan character.
Which has lower insurance costs?
Insurance rates vary by driver, location, and coverage, but luxury sport sedans like the Giulia typically carry slightly higher premiums than comfort-oriented sedans like the S60. Get quotes for both before making a final decision - the difference may be smaller than expected.