2004 BMW 120 vs. 1986 BMW M3
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1986 BMW M3.
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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1986 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
