Volvo S40 1995 vs BMW 3 series 2002
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.7 Petrol | 1.8 Petrol | |
| 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: | 115 HP | 116 HP | |
| Torque: | 165 NM | 175 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 10.5 seconds | 12 seconds | |
| Volvo S40 engine produces 1 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 10 NM less than BMW 3 series. Despite less power, Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.5 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.8 | 8.0 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 10.1 l/100km | 8.8 l/100km | |
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The BMW 3 series is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification Volvo S40 consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that by driving the Volvo S40 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 30 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, Volvo S40 consumes 1.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 760 km in combined cycle | 780 km in combined cycle | |
| 760 km on highway | 980 km on highway | ||
| 590 km with real consumption | 710 km with real consumption | ||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 440'000 km | 350'000 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: | 4 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on Volvo V40 | Used only for this car | |
| 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: | 4.48 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: | 471 litres | 440 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
853 litres | no data | |
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Volvo S40 has more luggage capacity. Volvo S40 has 31 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series. | |||
| 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`720 | 1`820 | |
| 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: | 6.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Volvo S40 has
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BMW 3 sērija has
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