2008 BMW 120 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
