2001 BMW M vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 2001 BMW M (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M | 120 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.9 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.6 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 51 L |
