2002 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 6 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 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40.
Because 2002 BMW 318 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 2002 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
