1996 BMW 545 vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2011 Volvo S40. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 71 kg more than 2011 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 545 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 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volvo S40. 2011 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 545 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 545 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 545 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
