2003 BMW 530 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 344 kg more than 2010 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 2010 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
