1974 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 533 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 BMW 3 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 1974 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2210 mm |
