2001 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 9 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 2001 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50, 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
