1999 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 114 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
