2009 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 120 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 57 L |
