2008 BMW 530 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 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
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, both vehicles can yield 300 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 530 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
