1990 BMW 520 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 17 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
