1996 BMW 725 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 400 kg more than 2009 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 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
