2007 BMW 120 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 120 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 314 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
