2008 BMW 120 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 3 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. Both 2008 BMW 120 and 2011 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
