2003 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2005 Volvo XC70 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 125 more horse power than 2005 Volvo XC70. (217 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo XC70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2005 Volvo XC70 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, 2005 Volvo XC70 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo XC70. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo XC70. 2005 Volvo XC70 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2005 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| 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 | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
