2009 BMW 120 vs. 2003 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. Both 2009 BMW 120 and 2003 BMW 320 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 145 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, 2003 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 320 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 | 2003 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| 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 | 154 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
