1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
