1978 ZIL 117 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1425 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 ZIL 117 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | ZIL | BMW |
| Model | 117 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6958 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2950 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2670 mm |
