1990 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1990 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2008 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
