Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330CivsVolvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003

330Ci

231 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2003-2006
VS

Volvo C30

2.5 i 20V T5

220 hp2521 ccGasolineFWDManualTurbochargedCoupe2006-2008

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    231 hp
    172 kW
  • Best power-to-weight
    158 hp/t
    118 kW/t
    6.3 kg/hp
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.8 L/100 km
    18.4 mpg US
    22.1 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    57/100
  • Best performance score
    58/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5

  • Highest torque
    320 Nm
    236 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,437 kg
    3,168 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.7 L/100 km
    27.0 mpg US
    32.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.5 L/100 km
    36.2 mpg US
    43.5 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    713 km
    443 mi

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CiVolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
Power
231hp172kW
220hp164kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
320Nm236lb-ft
Curb weight
1,465kg3,230lb
1,437kg3,168lb
Gross weight
1,965kg4,332lb
1,860kg4,101lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
240 km/h
149 mph
To 99% top speed
92.1s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
86.2s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.5s
6.7s
0-200 km/h
23.9s
Calculated
28.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.2s
Calculated
6.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
8.7L/100 km27mpg US32.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.8L/100 km18.4mpg US22.1mpg UK
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
6.5L/100 km36.2mpg US43.5mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
14.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
158hp/t118kW/t72hp/1000 lb
Calculated
153hp/t114kW/t69hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
205Nm/t137lb-ft/ton
Calculated
223Nm/t149lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
700km435mi
Calculated
713km443mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
2,521cc154cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,252mm167in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,782mm70in
Height
1,369mm54in
1,447mm57in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,640mm104in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,548mm61in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,544mm61in
Trunk volume
410L
233L
Doors
2
3
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
63L
62L
CO2 emissions-
208g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CiVolvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5PowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci: Power / Torque
  • Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T55,000 rpm1,500-4,800 rpm5,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CiVolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.2 s
6.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.5 s
6.7 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
23.9 s
28.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
240 km/h
149 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.3 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
9.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
12.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
14.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
161 km/h
100 mph
156 km/h
97 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
231 hp
172 kW
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
220 hp
164 kW

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci has 11 hp more than Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5.

The biggest power difference is between Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5 and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci: 11 hp (8 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
320 Nm
236 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
1,465 kg
3,230 lb
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
1,437 kg
3,168 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
240 km/h
149 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci6.5 s
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T56.7 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci and Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5: 0.2 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
8.7 L/100 km
27.0 mpg US
32.5 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
158 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
153 hp/t
114 kW/t
6.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
700 km
435 mi
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
713 km
443 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
231 hp
172 kW
6.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
220 hp
164 kW
6.7 s
240 km/h
149 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,369 mm
53.9 in
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h6.7 s
Top speed
240 km/h
149 mph
Doors/seats
3 doors
4 seats
Trunk
233 L
8.2 cu ft
Length
4,252 mm
167.4 in
Height
1,447 mm
57.0 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h6.7 s
Top speed
240 km/h
149 mph
8.7 L/100 km
27.0 mpg US
32.5 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
6.5 s
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
8.7 L/100 km
27.0 mpg US
32.5 mpg UK
6.7 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
158 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
VolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
153 hp/t
114 kW/t
6.5 kg/hp
8.7 L/100 km
27.0 mpg US
32.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CiVolvoC302.5 i 20V T5
Power
231 hp
172 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.5 s
6.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
240 km/h
149 mph
Lightness
1,465 kg
3,230 lb
1,437 kg
3,168 lb
Fuel consumption
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
8.7 L/100 km
27.0 mpg US
32.5 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,369 mm
53.9 in
Doors/seats
3 doors
4 seats
Trunk
233 L
8.2 cu ft
Length
4,252 mm
167.4 in
Height
1,447 mm
57.0 in
Range score
700 km
435 mi
713 km
443 mi
CO2 score
-
208 g/km
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
233 L
8.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
158 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
153 hp/t
114 kW/t
6.5 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CiVolvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5
Consumption9 L/100 km26.1 mpg US31.4 mpg UK8.7 L/100 km27 mpg US32.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.75 LC100 km15.22 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.35 LC100 mi24.50 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,350 L357 US gal297 UK gal1,305 L345 US gal287 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,363 LC/year2,284 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci

  • Has 11 hp more
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 20 km/h (12 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 5 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 177 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5

  • Has 20 Nm more
  • Is 28 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 13 km (8 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) 330Ci
Volvo C30 2.5 i 20V T5
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2 vehicles selected

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