1971 BMW 3 vs. 2001 Honda Civic
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2001 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 288 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic, 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2001 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
