2008 BMW 118 vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 118 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo S40 weights approximately 129 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 118 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 2008 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118. 2011 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 118 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1514 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
