2003 BMW 520 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 35 kg more 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 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
