Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating.
Performance
Power:
231 HP
210 HP
Torque:
500 NM
320 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
6.8 seconds
8 seconds
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 21 HP more power than Volvo V70, whereas torque is 180 NM more than Volvo V70. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.3
10.8
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 3.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo V70, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 525 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
830 km in combined cycle
640 km in combined cycle
1050 km on highway
820 km on highway
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
420'000 km
420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
12 years
10 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X6
Installed on at least 4 other car models, including Volvo S80, Volvo S60, Volvo XC90, Volvo XC70
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect.
Hydraulic tappets:
yes
no
The BMW 3 series engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure.
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.71 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.80 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.51 m
BMW 3 series is 19 cm shorter than the Volvo V70, 2 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 7 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
485 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
1641 litres
Volvo V70 has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 25 litres less trunk space than the Volvo V70. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Volvo V70 (by 256 litres).
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11.9 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.9 metres less than that of the Volvo V70, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo V70 has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably slightly better
