1996 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
