2003 BMW 530 vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 8 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 91 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 2011 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volvo S40. 2011 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
