2008 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 15 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.
Because 2008 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 120 | Forte |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
