2009 BMW 120 vs. 1998 BMW 320
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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 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 (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 91 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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
