2009 BMW 523 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 107 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 523 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 175 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
