2004 BMW 120 vs. 1996 BMW 535
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2004 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1996 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
