2006 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 416 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 325 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
