1981 Nissan Patrol vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 635 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Patrol | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Patrol | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2670 mm |
