2008 BMW 120 vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 89 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
