BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 53 HP more power than Volvo S40, whereas torque is 100 NM more than Volvo S40. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 3.7 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.7
4.9
Real fuel consumption:
7.3 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
The Volvo S40 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.8 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 270 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 1.7 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
52 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
910 km in combined cycle
1060 km in combined cycle
1150 km on highway
1230 km on highway
830 km with real consumption
920 km with real consumption
Volvo S40 gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
390'000 km
420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
9 years
5 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 1 sērija
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Volvo S80, Volvo V50, Volvo C30
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts.
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.48 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.45 m
BMW 3 series is larger, but slightly lower. BMW 3 series is 4 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
BMW 3 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 3 series has 56 litres more trunk space than the Volvo S40.
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Volvo S40, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
