2003 BMW 330 vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (281 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2008 Volvo S80.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S80. (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S80. 2008 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 330 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
