2008 BMW 120 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 120 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 160 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
