2009 BMW 120 vs. 1998 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 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 62 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1998 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
