1972 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Honda Civic
To start off, 2007 Honda Civic is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2007 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 88 kg more than 2007 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Civic. 2007 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2007 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
