2005 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Volvo V70
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V70 would be higher. At 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V70 (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V70 weights approximately 152 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, 2003 Volvo V70, 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, 2003 Volvo V70 (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2003 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 318 | V70 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
