2009 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 10.2 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 | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
