2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (177 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 8 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Frontier | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
