2012 BMW M3 vs. 2013 Volvo C30
To start off, 2013 Volvo C30 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2013 Volvo C30. (224 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volvo C30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 198 kg more than 2013 Volvo C30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volvo C30, 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volvo C30. (320 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volvo C30.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW M3 | 2013 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | C30 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4266 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 2039 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1424 mm | 1447 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
