1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (139 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 50 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
