2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 9 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2012 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.5 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
