Volvo S40 1995 vs BMW 3 series 2001

 
Volvo S40
1995 - 1999
BMW 3 series
2001 - 2005
Gearbox: ManualManual
Engine: 1.9 Diesel2.0 Diesel
Camshaft drive: Timing beltTiming chain
Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors.

Performance

Power: 90 HP115 HP
Torque: 176 NM265 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 13 seconds11 seconds
BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving.
Volvo S40 engine produces 25 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 89 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 2 seconds later.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 6.35.6
Real fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100km6.1 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy.
By specification Volvo S40 consumes 0.7 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 105 litres more fuel.
By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Volvo S40 consumes 0.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres63 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 950 km in combined cycle1120 km in combined cycle
1150 km on highway1400 km on highway
920 km with real consumption1030 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.

Drive type

Wheel drive type: Front wheel drive (FWD)Rear wheel drive (RWD)

Engines

Engine production duration: 18 years9 years
Engine spread: Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Volvo V40, Mitsubishi CarismaUsed also on BMW 5 sērija
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: noyes
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: 4.48 m4.47 m
Width: 1.72 m1.74 m
Height: 1.41 m1.42 m
Both cars are similar in size. Volvo S40 is 1 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 2 cm narrower, while the height of Volvo S40 is 1 cm lower.
Trunk capacity: 415 litres440 litres
Trunk max capacity:
with rear seats folded down
853 litresno data
BMW 3 series has more luggage space.
Despite its longer length, Volvo S40 has 25 litres less trunk space than the BMW 3 series. This could mean that the Volvo S40 uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable.
Turning diameter: 11 meters10 meters
The turning circle of the Volvo S40 is 1 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means Volvo S40 can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Gross weight (kg): 1`7701`895
Safety: no data
Quality:
below average

high
BMW 3 series has fewer problems.
According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S40 has serious deffects in 435 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better
Average price (€): 8002400
Rating in user reviews: 6.9/10 7.9/10
Pros and Cons: Volvo S40 has
  • timing belt engine
  • lower price
BMW 3 sērija has
  • timing chain engine
  • more power
  • more dynamic
  • lower fuel consumption
  • more full fuel tank mileage
  • roomier boot
  • better manoeuvrability
  • fewer faults
  • higher ratings in user reviews
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