2006 BMW 330 vs. 2004 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2004 Volvo V50. (133 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 380 kg more than 2004 Volvo V50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 330 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 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volvo V50 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 330. 2006 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2004 Volvo V50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 2004 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 330 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
