2009 BMW 120 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
