1998 BMW 323 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 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1998 BMW 323. 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, 1998 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
