2004 BMW 120 vs. 1998 BMW 323
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 260 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, 1998 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1998 BMW 323 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
