2005 BMW M3 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 187 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW M3. (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
