2006 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V50. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 397 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 120 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 2006 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
