2009 BMW 120 vs. 2001 BMW M3
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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | M3 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3246 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 154 HP | 326 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7900 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 355 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1655 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |