2004 BMW 316 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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, 2008 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 2008 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
