1995 BMW M3 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 1995 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M3 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
