2009 BMW 320 vs. 2011 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2011 BMW 1 Series is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320.
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, 2011 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 1 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2011 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 53 L |
