2004 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Volvo V50. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 89 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
