1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (133 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2004 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S40. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
