Volvo S40 1995 vs BMW 3 series 2001
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.9 Diesel | 2.0 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing 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 HP | 115 HP | |
| Torque: | 176 NM | 265 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 13 seconds | 11 seconds | |
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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): | 6.3 | 5.6 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.5 l/100km | 6.1 l/100km | |
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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 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 950 km in combined cycle | 1120 km in combined cycle | |
| 1150 km on highway | 1400 km on highway | ||
| 920 km with real consumption | 1030 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 years | 9 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Volvo V40, Mitsubishi Carisma | Used 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: | no | yes | |
| 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 m | 4.47 m | |
| Width: | 1.72 m | 1.74 m | |
| Height: | 1.41 m | 1.42 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 litres | 440 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
853 litres | no data | |
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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 meters | 10 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`770 | 1`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 (€): | 800 | 2400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.0/10 | 7.9/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Volvo S40 has
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BMW 3 sērija has
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