1996 BMW 525 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2010 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
