2009 BMW 530 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
