2003 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Volvo S60
To start off, 2005 Volvo S60 is newer by 2 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 214 more horse power than 2005 Volvo S60. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo S60. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S60 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S60, 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo S60. (271 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo S60.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2005 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | S60 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
