Volvo S40 1996 vs BMW 3 series 1998
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.7 Petrol | 2.0 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 | 150 HP | |
| Torque: | 165 NM | 190 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 9.9 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. Volvo S40 engine produces 35 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 25 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.1 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.6 | 8.9 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.7 l/100km | 9.5 l/100km | |
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The Volvo S40 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Volvo S40 consumes 0.3 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 45 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Volvo S40 consumes 0.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 690 km in combined cycle | 700 km in combined cycle | |
| 890 km on highway | 920 km on highway | ||
| 680 km with real consumption | 660 km with real consumption | ||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 440'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 4 years | 7 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on Volvo V40 | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW Z3 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series 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`865 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | below average | below average | |
| Volvo S40 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so Volvo S40 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 800 | 2000 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Volvo S40 has
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BMW 3 sērija has
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