1990 BMW 518 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518.
Because 2007 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2007 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 518 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
