2009 BMW 120 vs. 2001 BMW M
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 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M would be higher. At 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | M |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.9 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 51 L |
