1998 BMW 320 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 14 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1998 BMW 320.
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, 2012 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
