2009 BMW 120 vs. 2004 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 285 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2004 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
