2003 BMW 545 vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (133 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 545 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 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S40. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo S40. 2003 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2004 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 545 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1570 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 Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
