1997 BMW 850 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 420 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (340 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
