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 122 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (160 HP @ 6000 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 417 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 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S40. (225 Nm @ 4400 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 | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 8.9 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 | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
