2006 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 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 2,523 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (216 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 523. 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 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523. 2003 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2523 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
