2008 BMW 120 vs. 1994 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1994 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
