2009 BMW 120 vs. 2004 BMW M3
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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 109 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, 2009 BMW 120 (351 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2004 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
