2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S40. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 7 kg more than 2008 Volvo S40. 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, 2008 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, 2009 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S40. (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
