1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 BMW 120
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 120 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2007 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
