2005 BMW 325 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 67 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40.
Because 2005 BMW 325 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 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
