2009 BMW 120 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 246 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. 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, 2011 Kia Soul, 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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 120 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 48 L |
