BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 27 HP more power than Volvo V50, the torque is the same for both cars. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.9
5.7
Real fuel consumption:
6.5 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo V50, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 30 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo V50.
BMW 3 series is larger, but slightly lower. BMW 3 series is 1 cm longer than the Volvo V50, 5 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
417 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
1307 litres
BMW 3 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 3 series has 43 litres more trunk space than the Volvo V50. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 3 series (by 78 litres).
Turning diameter:
11 meters
10.6 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.4 metres more than that of the Volvo V50, which means BMW 3 series can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Volvo V50, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
