2009 BMW 120 vs. 1999 BMW 323
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 45 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 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1999 BMW 323 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
