2009 BMW 120 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. Both 2009 BMW 120 and 2001 BMW 320 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 55 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
