1996 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 72 kg more than 2010 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
