2007 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Volvo C30
To start off, 2012 Volvo C30 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo C30 weights approximately 31 kg more than 2007 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 320 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 2007 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30, 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, 2012 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 320. 2007 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2012 Volvo C30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 2012 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 320 | C30 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
