See this site:

http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/xguo/Car/oilsfilters.html#filter

Hopefully it will give you the information you need to see why the Fram filter is inferior to Volvo oil filters. Here are some highlights:

"The most important part of an oil filter is the filter paper itself. Volvo uses "dimpled" paper to prevent the folds from laying against each other. Some of the competition use a smooth material that leaves less surface area for filtration."

"And there's more filter paper in a Volvo oil filter than in any of the other brands we tested. The more paper, the more efficient the filter."

"Volvo's special seal and threading helps prevent leaks by holding the filter more securely in position. And the Volvo filter is designed to counteract the vibration inherent in a 4-cylinder engine. This too helps keep the filter firmly attached to your car."

"Here's another major difference: ...the end wall of a genuine Volvo filter...It's made of a sturdy metal alloy, designed to keep unfiltered oil from leaking back into the engine."

"The end wall in this competitor is made of cardboard and can increase the possibility of leakage. [Drawing of competitor's endwall which is all crinkly and made of cardboard] Why would anyone want to take a chance with a filter like this?"

"The Volvo oil filter also has two individual and vitally important valves. One prevents oil from draining back when the engine is shut off, and the other opens automatically if blocked or under excessive pressure. Some of the competition use a combination valve, and if it gets clogged, no oil reaches the engine. This can lead to serious problems, even severe engine damage."

A Fram filter probably won't kill your engine(s), but for the marginal savings, I'll pass on Fram filters. I'd much rather use a Mann oil filter. I bought a case of 10 Mann filters for $36 delivered to my front door. How much do you pay for Fram filters? How many oil filters do you use in a year?