2003 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 4 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 174 more horse power than 2007 Volvo V50. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 79 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, 2007 Volvo V50, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volvo V50. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volvo V50. 2007 Volvo V50 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. 2007 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
