2009 BMW 120 vs. 1989 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 451 kg more than 1989 Nissan Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1989 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Santana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
