1990 BMW 850 vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2011 BMW 123. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 123. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2011 BMW 123. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 123. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 123.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 51 L |
