2006 Volvo S40 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 47 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 330. 2009 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volvo S40 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Volvo | BMW |
| Model | S40 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
