2008 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 2008 BMW 318 and 2012 BMW 120 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| 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 | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
