1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 10 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (218 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
