1992 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1992 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 320 weights approximately 41 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40.
Because 1992 BMW 320 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1992 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 320. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 320 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
