2003 BMW 530 vs. 2005 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Volvo S40 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2005 Volvo S40.
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, 2005 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) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo S40. (340 Nm). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2005 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
