1974 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Honda Civic
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 31 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 86 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2005 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 94.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1167 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |
