2006 BMW 120 vs. 1992 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1992 BMW M3.
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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 1992 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
