2021 BMW 3 Series vs. 2021 Volvo S60

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series and 2021 Volvo S60 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 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2021 Volvo S60.

In comparing the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series is a better car than the 2021 Volvo S60.

Pricing: A used 2021 BMW 3 Series ranges from $26,565 to $47,926 while a used 2021 Volvo S60 is priced between $23,056 to $33,893.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Volvo S60 loses 50 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Volvo S60 retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volvo S60's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volvo S60 being ranked 13 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Volvo S60 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 2021 BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the 2021 Volvo S60 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles. This gives the 2021 BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Volvo S60. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room. The 2021 BMW 3 Series and 2021 Volvo S60 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2021 Volvo S60 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.