2003 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2011 Volvo XC70 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,200 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo XC70 (240 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 303 kg more than 2003 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volvo XC70, 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, 2003 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volvo XC70. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volvo XC70.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2011 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1808 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4839 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1603 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2814 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
