2007 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2011 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
