2005 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (178 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 194 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80, 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, 1998 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
