2005 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 120
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 1 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. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 305 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (285 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
