2003 BMW M3 vs. 2010 Volvo S60
To start off, 2010 Volvo S60 is newer by 7 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 42 more horse power than 2010 Volvo S60. (300 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volvo S60. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo S60 weights approximately 384 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2010 Volvo S60 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volvo S60 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2010 Volvo S60 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. 2010 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2010 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | S60 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
