1980 BMW 725 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1980 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 725.
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, 1980 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 725 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2670 mm |
