2008 BMW 523 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 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 50 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
