2009 BMW 120 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 29 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 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 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
