2004 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
