2008 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2012 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 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 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 | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
