2009 Kia Spectra vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Spectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Spectra would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2009 Kia Spectra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Spectra.
Because 2012 BMW 1 Series 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 2012 BMW 1 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra, 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, 2012 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Spectra. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Spectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Spectra | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Kia | BMW |
| Model | Spectra | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 53 L |
