2009 BMW 120 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
