2004 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 4 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 236 kg more than 2008 Volvo S40.
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, 2008 Volvo S40, 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
