2003 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Volvo S60
To start off, 2004 Volvo S60 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S60. (296 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S60. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S60 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2004 Volvo S60 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S60 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volvo S60 (401 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2004 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | S60 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
