2003 Volvo S40 vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volvo S40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 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, 2011 BMW X3 (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40. 2011 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | S40 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 67 L |
