1997 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (155 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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 M3 (236 Nm) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (200 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 2010 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 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 | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
