1971 Honda Life vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 125 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 2011 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Life | 125 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2670 mm |
