2003 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW 120
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2007 BMW 120. 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
