1998 BMW 320 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2010 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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 2010 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 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:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
