2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 119 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
