BMW 3 series 2001 vs Volvo S40 2002
| Body: | Hatchback | Sedan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area. | |||
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
| Engine: | 1.8 Petrol | 1.8 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: | 116 HP | 122 HP | |
| Torque: | 175 NM | 170 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12 seconds | 12 seconds | |
| BMW 3 series engine produces 6 HP less power than Volvo S40, but torque is 5 NM more than Volvo S40. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.6 | 8.7 | |
|
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 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 165 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 60 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 820 km in combined cycle | 680 km in combined cycle | |
| 1050 km on highway | 920 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) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Volvo S40) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 3 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Volvo S40 engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 5 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Used also on Volvo V40 | |
| 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: | 4.26 m | 4.48 m | |
| Width: | 1.75 m | 1.72 m | |
| Height: | 1.41 m | 1.41 m | |
| BMW 3 series is 22 cm shorter than the Volvo S40, 3 cm wider the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 310 litres | 471 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1100 litres | 853 litres | |
| BMW 3 series has 161 litres less trunk space than the Volvo S40. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 3 series (by 247 litres). | |||
| 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`820 | 1`780 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | below average | average | |
| Volvo S40 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 15 percent more cases than Volvo S40, so Volvo S40 quality is probably better | |||
| Average price (€): | 2600 | 1400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Volvo S40 has
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