1997 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2009 Volvo S40. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (320 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2650 mm |
