1961 BMW 700 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1961 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 700 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 51 L |
