2006 BMW 120 vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2006 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 120. (200 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 120. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
