2003 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Volvo S60
To start off, 2005 Volvo S60 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S60 (179 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S60 weights approximately 179 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S60, 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, 2005 Volvo S60 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2005 Volvo S60 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2005 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | S60 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
