Volvo S40 is more dynamic to drive. Volvo S40 engine produces 37 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 0.9 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.0
5.4
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. Volvo S40 consumes 1.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Volvo S40 could require 240 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 litres
61 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
850 km in combined cycle
1120 km in combined cycle
1090 km on highway
1380 km on highway
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Dimensions
Length:
4.48 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.77 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.45 m
1.42 m
Volvo S40 is smaller, but slightly higher. Volvo S40 is 5 cm shorter than the BMW 3 series, 5 cm narrower, while the height of Volvo S40 is 3 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
404 litres
460 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
883 litres
no data
BMW 3 series has more luggage space. Volvo S40 has 56 litres less trunk space than the BMW 3 series.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11 meters
Power steering:
Hydraulic power steering
Electric power steering
Hydraulic power steering is technologically more complex, louder, increases fuel consumption and requires more servicing. It has the advantages of more power, less strain on the car's electrical system and better feedback (feeling) when steering.
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
