BMW 3 series 2008 vs Volvo S40 2011
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.0 Diesel | 2.0 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| 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: | 177 HP | 177 HP | |
| Torque: | 350 NM | 400 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds | |
| BMW 3 series and Volvo S40 have the same engine power, but BMW 3 series torque is 50 NM less than Volvo S40. BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.5 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.9 | 5.6 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.7 l/100km | 6.1 l/100km | |
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The Volvo S40 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 45 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 litres | 60 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1030 km in combined cycle | 1070 km in combined cycle | |
| 1270 km on highway | 1330 km on highway | ||
| 910 km with real consumption | 980 km with real consumption | ||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | 4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
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BMW 3 sērija has 4x4: BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system without a center differential that engages before the vehicle becomes destabilized, unnoticed by the driver. Torque is distributed between the axles by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The clutch is partially locked most of the time, distributing power to both axles in a 40/60 front/rear ratio, but the system is capable of sending 100% of the torque to either axle. At higher speeds or when parking, multi-plate clutch is disengaged and all power is transferred to the rear wheels. DSC system (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels separately to regain traction and assist in cornering. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Volvo S40 engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 17 years | 4 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X1 | Used only for this car | |
| 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. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.53 m | 4.48 m | |
| Width: | 1.82 m | 1.77 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.45 m | |
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BMW 3 series is larger, but slightly lower. BMW 3 series is 5 cm longer than the Volvo S40, 5 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 460 litres | 404 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 883 litres | |
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BMW 3 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 3 series has 56 litres more trunk space than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 11.1 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.1 metres less than that of the Volvo S40. | |||
| Power steering: | Electric power steering | Hydraulic power steering | |
| Electric power steering is simpler, quieter, more fuel-efficient, more configurable and provides additional features such as auto-steering for lane assist and parking. The disadvantages of electric power steering are possible overheating under prolonged load conditions and insufficient feedback (feeling) during steering. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`060 | 2`020 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | above average | below average | |
| BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S40 has serious deffects in 30 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 5800 | 4600 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Volvo S40 has
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