2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 185 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 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 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 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 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | M3 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3246 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 339 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 365 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1570 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.5 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |