BMW 3 series 2008 vs Volvo S40 2007
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.0 Diesel | 2.5 Petrol | |
| 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: | 245 HP | 230 HP | |
| Torque: | 520 NM | 320 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.1 seconds | 6.8 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 15 HP more power than Volvo S40, whereas torque is 200 NM more than Volvo S40. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.7 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.7 | 8.7 | |
|
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 3 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 450 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 litres | 62 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1070 km in combined cycle | 710 km in combined cycle | |
| 1270 km on highway | 960 km on highway | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Ground clearance: | 144 mm (5.7 inches) | 135 mm (5.3 inches) | |
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 390'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 17 years | 4 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X6 | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Volvo V50, Volvo C30, Volvo C70 | |
| 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. | |||
| 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: | 4.53 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 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 | |
|
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 meters | |
| 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`055 | 1`960 | |
| 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 | 4200 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Volvo S40 has
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