Volvo S40 1997 vs BMW 3 series 1998
| 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 | 136 HP | |
| Torque: | 176 NM | 280 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 13 seconds | 9.9 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. Volvo S40 engine produces 46 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 104 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 3.1 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.3 | 5.7 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.5 l/100km | 6.3 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 0.6 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 90 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Volvo S40 consumes 0.2 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 | 1100 km in combined cycle | |
| 1150 km on highway | 1400 km on highway | ||
| 920 km with real consumption | 1000 km with real consumption | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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: | 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`770 | 1`875 | |
| 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 | 2200 | |
| 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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