Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) · Facelift 2001 330xivsVolvo S40 II 2.5

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) · Facelift 2001

330xi

231 hp2979 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2003-2005
VS

Volvo S40 II

2.5

220 hp2521 ccGasolineFWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2004-2007

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.6 s
  • Fastest top speed
    247 km/h
    153 mph
  • Most powerful
    231 hp
    172 kW
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.6 L/100 km
    17.3 mpg US
    20.8 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    440 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best performance score
    57/100
  • Best practicality score
    73/100

Volvo S40 II 2.5

  • Highest torque
    320 Nm
    236 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,403 kg
    3,093 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    157 hp/t
    117 kW/t
    6.4 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.4 L/100 km
    25.0 mpg US
    30.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.9 L/100 km
    34.1 mpg US
    40.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    660 km
    410 mi
  • Best economy score
    82/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xiVolvoS40 II2.5
Power
231hp172kW
220hp164kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
320Nm236lb-ft
Curb weight
1,540kg3,395lb
1,403kg3,093lb
Gross weight
2,040kg4,497lb
1,960kg4,321lb
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
To 99% top speed
61.2s99% target: 245 km/h / 152 mph
Calculated
63.3s99% target: 233 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.6s
7.2s
0-200 km/h
21.6s
Calculated
25.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.3s
Calculated
6.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.6L/100 km17.3mpg US20.8mpg UK
13.7L/100 km17.2mpg US20.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
15.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
150hp/t112kW/t68hp/1000 lb
Calculated
157hp/t117kW/t71hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
195Nm/t130lb-ft/ton
Calculated
228Nm/t153lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
636km395mi
Calculated
660km410mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
2,521cc154cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
4,468mm176in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,770mm70in
Height
1,434mm56in
1,452mm57in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,640mm104in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,535mm60in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,531mm60in
Trunk volume
440L
404L
Max trunk volume-
883L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
62L
CO2 emissions-
224g/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 Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xiVolvo S40 II 2.5PowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi: Power / Torque
  • Volvo S40 II 2.5: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm
VolvoS40 II2.55,000 rpm1,500-4,800 rpm5,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xiVolvoS40 II2.5
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.3 s
6.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.6 s
7.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.6 s
25.6 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.7 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.7 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
12.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
15.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
167 km/h
104 mph
160 km/h
99 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
231 hp
172 kW
VolvoS40 II2.5
220 hp
164 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi has 11 hp more than Volvo S40 II 2.5.

The biggest power difference is between Volvo S40 II 2.5 and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi: 11 hp (8 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
VolvoS40 II2.5
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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
VolvoS40 II2.5
1,403 kg
3,093 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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
247 km/h
153 mph
VolvoS40 II2.5
235 km/h
146 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi6.6 s
VolvoS40 II2.57.2 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi and Volvo S40 II 2.5: 0.6 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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
VolvoS40 II2.5
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Volvo S40 II 2.5 and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi: 0.5 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
150 hp/t
112 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
VolvoS40 II2.5
157 hp/t
117 kW/t
6.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
636 km
395 mi
VolvoS40 II2.5
660 km
410 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
231 hp
172 kW
6.6 s
247 km/h
153 mph
VolvoS40 II2.5
220 hp
164 kW
7.2 s
235 km/h
146 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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,434 mm
56.5 in
VolvoS40 II2.5
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
404 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,468 mm
175.9 in
Height
1,452 mm
57.2 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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
VolvoS40 II2.5
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi 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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
6.6 s
VolvoS40 II2.5
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
7.2 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 Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xi
150 hp/t
112 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
VolvoS40 II2.5
157 hp/t
117 kW/t
6.4 kg/hp
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330xiVolvoS40 II2.5
Power
231 hp
172 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.6 s
7.2 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Lightness
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
1,403 kg
3,093 lb
Fuel consumption
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,434 mm
56.5 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
404 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,468 mm
175.9 in
Height
1,452 mm
57.2 in
Range score
636 km
395 mi
660 km
410 mi
CO2 score
-
224 g/km
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
404 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
150 hp/t
112 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
157 hp/t
117 kW/t
6.4 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 Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xiVolvo S40 II 2.5
Consumption9.9 L/100 km23.8 mpg US28.5 mpg UK9.4 L/100 km25 mpg US30.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.33 LC100 km16.45 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.88 LC100 mi26.47 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,485 L392 US gal327 UK gal1,410 L372 US gal310 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,599 LC/year2,468 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) Facelift 2001 330xi

  • Has 11 hp more
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 12 km/h (7 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 36 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Volvo S40 II 2.5

  • Has 20 Nm more
  • Is 137 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 23 km (14 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • 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 Sedan (E46) 330xi
Volvo S40 II 2.5
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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