2003 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Volvo S60
To start off, 2007 Volvo S60 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S60 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2007 Volvo S60.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S60 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2007 Volvo S60 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2007 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 520 | S60 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
