1972 Honda Civic vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 902 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2730 mm |
