2009 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120.
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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
