1999 BMW 330 vs. 2011 Volvo C30
To start off, 2011 Volvo C30 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1999 BMW 330. (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 249 kg more than 2011 Volvo C30.
Because 1999 BMW 330 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 1999 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1999 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volvo C30. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volvo C30. 1999 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2011 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2011 Volvo C30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 2011 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 330 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4265 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
