BMW 3 series 1998 vs Volvo S40 1997
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.0 Diesel | 1.9 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: | 136 HP | 90 HP | |
| Torque: | 280 NM | 176 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.9 seconds | 13 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 46 HP more power than Volvo S40, whereas torque is 104 NM more than Volvo S40. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 3.1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.7 | 6.3 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.3 l/100km | 6.5 l/100km | |
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The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.6 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 90 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 60 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1100 km in combined cycle | 950 km in combined cycle | |
| 1400 km on highway | 1150 km on highway | ||
| 1000 km with real consumption | 920 km with real consumption | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
Engines | |||
| Engine production duration: | 9 years | 18 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on BMW 5 sērija | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Volvo V40, Mitsubishi Carisma | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Volvo S40 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: | 4.47 m | 4.48 m | |
| Width: | 1.74 m | 1.72 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.41 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. BMW 3 series is 1 cm shorter than the Volvo S40, 2 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 440 litres | 471 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 853 litres | |
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Volvo S40 has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 31 litres less trunk space than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 metres less than that of the Volvo S40, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`875 | 1`770 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | below average | below average | |
| Volvo S40 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so Volvo S40 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 2000 | 800 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.5/10 | 7.1/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Volvo S40 has
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