1995 BMW S3 vs. 1996 Volvo S90
To start off, 1996 Volvo S90 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S90. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Volvo S90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volvo S90 (267 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 1996 Volvo S90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3. 1996 Volvo S90 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Volvo S90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1996 Volvo S90 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | S3 | S90 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
