2009 BMW 120 vs. 1992 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 318 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 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1992 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 318 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1992 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 90 L |
