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: | 2.0 Petrol | 1.9 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: | 143 HP | 136 HP | |
| Torque: | 200 NM | 190 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 10 seconds | 11 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 7 HP more power than Volvo S40, whereas torque is 10 NM more than Volvo S40. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.9 | 8.9 | |
|
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 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 150 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 60 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 790 km in combined cycle | 670 km in combined cycle | |
| 1030 km on highway | 900 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: | 380'000 km | 460'000 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 | 4 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. | |||
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`770 | |
| 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 (€): | 2200 | 1200 | |
| 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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