2009 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Volvo V50
To start off, 2011 Volvo V50 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 187 more horse power than 2011 Volvo V50. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo V50 weights approximately 73 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, 2011 Volvo V50, 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volvo V50. 2011 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4521 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
