2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 358 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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, 2008 Ford S-Max, 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2008 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 120 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
