2004 BMW 120 vs. 2011 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2011 Tesla Roadster is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 120 would be higher. In terms of performance, 2011 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2011 Tesla Roadster.
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, 2011 Tesla Roadster (400 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (285 Nm). This means 2011 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2011 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 120 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2352 mm |
