2001 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318.
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 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| 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 | 176 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 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
