Volvo S40 2000 vs BMW 3 series 2002
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8 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: | 122 HP | 116 HP | |
| Torque: | 170 NM | 175 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 10 seconds | 11 seconds | |
|
Volvo S40 is more dynamic to drive. Volvo S40 engine produces 6 HP more power than BMW 3 series, but torque is 5 NM less than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power Volvo S40 reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.1 | 7.1 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.7 l/100km | 8.1 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 1 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 150 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Volvo S40 consumes 0.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 740 km in combined cycle | 880 km in combined cycle | |
| 980 km on highway | 1140 km on highway | ||
| 680 km with real consumption | 770 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 | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 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: | 5 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. | |||
| 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`750 | 1`810 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | below average | below average | |
| BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Volvo S40, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 800 | 2200 | |
| 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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