1998 BMW 330 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 144 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 330 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 1998 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 330 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 330 | S40 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 390 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1451 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |