| Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
| Model | Volvo V70 | BMW 1-Series | |
| Engine | 3.2L I6 DOHC-4v 235 hp@6200 236 lb-ft@3200 |
turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1400 |
|
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
| Body | 4dr Wagon | 2dr Convertible | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 104.7 in | 6.1 in |
| Length | 189.9 in | 172.2 in | 17.7 in |
| Width | 73.3 in | 68.8 in | 4.5 in |
| Height | 60.9 in | 55.6 in | 5.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3527 lb. | 3626 lb. | -99 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. | 4.5 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 38.8 in | 38.6 in | 0.2 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.4 in | 54.0 in | 3.4 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 0.0 in | 54.8 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.4 in | 0.5 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 38.6 in | 37.0 in | 1.6 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 42.2 in | 14.3 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 0.0 in | 55.1 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 32.0 in | 2.6 in |
| Total Legroom | 76.5 in (over 2 rows) | 73.4 in (over 2 rows) | 3.1 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 33.3 ft3 | 8.5 ft3 | 24.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 72.1 ft3 | 8.5 ft3 | 63.6 ft3 |
| 2008 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 182hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I can sit on this chair for many hours without any problems see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2008 | 4dr Wagon 235-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Have driven 12 hours/trip and seating comfortable, a stress free and comfortable drive/ see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2008 | 4dr Wagon 235-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
as above see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2008 | 4dr Wagon 235-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
great comfort if you have passengers, passengers very complimentary/ see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2008 | 4dr Wagon 235-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
We spent five days of driving in the car in August and the seats remained comfortable for all 4,000 miles. see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
best seats in the industry see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 161hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lumbar support see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It may seem strange to rate seat comfort so highly, but that's only if you have never driven in a Volvo. Amazing, ergonomic, adjustable, but those could describe many seats. What my wife would say (and I've read others express as well) is if you have back problems, get your Dr. to prescribe you a Volvo! They are that good. see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2008 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
no knee room see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is not much if the front seats are back see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
To give rear seats reasonable amount of room, you have to keep front seats forwards. see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Though not a big issue, the rear seats could be a bit wider for better 3-abreast seating (though most vehicles share this limitation). The greater need, however, is another few inches of legroom. It is adequate, but only that. Another 3 or 4 inches would make the rear seat amazing, but then again, that would come at the cost of rear cargo capacity ... no such thing as a "free lunch". see full Volvo V70 review |
| 2009 BMW 1-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Good seats, very adjustable. see full BMW 1-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Sport seats are great see full BMW 1-Series review |
| 2009 BMW 1-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 2dr Convertible 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Either young children for longer drives or most adults for trips below 30-40 miles each way. Just a "small car" (though with more rear-room that Lexus 250-350 4-door series!). see full BMW 1-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Impractical for adults for anything but short runs see full BMW 1-Series review |