2003 BMW 530 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, both 2003 BMW 530 and 2003 Volvo S40 were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40. 2003 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
