1971 Honda Life vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 41 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 116 (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 850 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 2012 BMW 116 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 116. 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, 2012 BMW 116 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Life | 116 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2660 mm |
