1999 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 320 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 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 320 weights approximately 5 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 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 320 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
