2007 BMW 325 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2007 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2007 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 BMW 325. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 325. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 325 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 325 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
