1988 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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 46 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 185 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
