1996 Volvo S40 vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 328 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Volvo S40 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
Make | Volvo | BMW |
Model | S40 | 328 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1731 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 230 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 164 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4536 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 57 L |