2019 Volvo S60 vs. 2019 BMW 3 Series

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Volvo S60 and 2019 BMW 3 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Volvo S60 and the 2019 BMW 3 Series.

When we compare the 2019 Volvo S60's and the 2019 BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and interior volume. The 2019 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Volvo S60's and the 2019 BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the 2019 BMW 3 Series is a better car than the 2019 Volvo S60.

Pricing: A used 2019 Volvo S60 ranges from $19,543 to $29,644 while a used 2019 BMW 3 Series is priced between $21,304 to $30,900.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Volvo S60 loses 50 percent of its value and the 2019 BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Volvo S60 retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volvo S60 is 8.6 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Volvo S60 being ranked 4 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volvo S60 is 8.4 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volvo S60.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Volvo S60’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the 2019 BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 522 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. This gives the 2019 BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Volvo S60. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2019 Volvo S60 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room and front leg room. The 2019 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2019 Volvo S60 and 2019 BMW 3 Series are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Volvo S60 and the 2019 BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.