2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Volvo V70
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 V70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V70 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 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V70. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2003 Volvo V70. 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 V70, 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V70. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V70.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | V70 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
