I have also seen the cut-away filters at Volvo, impressive.

A volvo filter weighs almost twice what a Fram weighs. I got a Fram at a local lube place that I had to use - I had them install my Volvo filter

I bought 10 from FCP Groton off ebay $35 plus shipping.

If you go to Mann's web site - They say that their filters incorporate all the features that are included in the filters that they make for auto manufacturers.

I use a nice sharp, tapered awl.
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 415,000 miles put on 9 bricks

I admit to following the crowd and using Mann - buy them 10 at a time. But tell me about this nail or drill method...have you figured out a way to empty the filter before unscrewing it? No rags, bags, or foil ever kept me from having to clean up the belly pan and crossmember after pulling the filter. What a mess.
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-K (hope springs eternal)

I've seen the Volvo counter display at the dealer parts window where they cut and cross sectioned a Volvo oil filter, Fram, Purolator, and Wix filters (there was about 6 different ones). The add simply pointed out the greater filter area, pleat design, flow charactreristics, and special one-way valve that the Volvo filter had compared to the others. All of these differences were obvious to see why the Volvo filter was superior and well thought out.
I've been buying nothing but Volvo filters since.
That was back in the mid-90's, so things may have changed since then, and the Mann has been considered a direct replacement, although I have not seen one cut away or flow tested. It may or may not be the same.
The main points that I see here, is that Volvo went a considerable distance to increase the filter area to improve oil flow and lessen the pressure drop across the filter at low flows, like idle or slow driving where engine temps are high. The valve and it's placement also keeps oil in the filter whe the engine is off, but is not a restriction to flow as is others that have a similar valve.
For the difference of $5, there should not be any question in your mind on which to use.
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'89 245 sportwagon, destroyed by hit & run driver, RIP. '04 V70 2.5 T Sportwagon, 12k mi and '91 245 5-speed, 209k mi, replaced the '89

I am new to Volvos, but my 240 will be getting a Wix filter. I don't have much living space, so buying 10 or so filters from IPD or FCPgroton just isn't in the forecast. I chose Wix because of availability around my area.

I have never had a problem with a Wix filter. They always get good reviews in every test I've seen. I've run them on every vehicle I own, from 60's big blocks, to Japanese makes, to my MG.

I'm pretty sure Mann is the OEM for Volvo filters, so they're extremely similar, if not identical. Most people who have voiced an opinion seem to respect them. I think others have also chimed in before with good things to say about Mobil-1 filters, but I have no experience with them.
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Guid ('92 745 233k, '91 940 SE 257k,)