Diesel (BMW 3 series) engines typically outperform gasoline engines in terms of fuel efficiency and low-end torque. This makes them more economical and better suited for towing or long-distance travel. However, gasoline (Volvo S60) engines mostly are lighter, quieter, and offer better acceleration and responsiveness, especially in smaller vehicles. For more information, see the article "Diesel or Petrol: Fuel Economy and Key Differences."
Performance
Power:
163 HP
180 HP
Torque:
340 NM
240 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
8.3 seconds
8.8 seconds
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 17 HP less power than Volvo S60, but torque is 100 NM more than Volvo S60. Despite less power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.5 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.7
9.2
Real fuel consumption:
7.3 l/100km
10.1 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 2.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S60, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 375 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 2.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S60.
Both cars are similar in size. BMW 3 series is 6 cm shorter than the Volvo S60, 2 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
424 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
no data
1034 litres
BMW 3 series has more luggage capacity. Even though the car is shorter, BMW 3 series has 36 litres more trunk space than the Volvo S60. The Volvo S60 may have more interior space, so the cabin could be more spacious and more comfortable for the driver and passengers.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S60 has serious deffects in 20 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably better
