2008 BMW 120 vs. 2012 BMW 330
To start off, 2012 BMW 330 is newer by 4 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 330 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 330 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, 2012 BMW 330 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120. 2008 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2012 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 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 | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
