1978 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Honda Civic
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2006 Honda Civic. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Civic.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 2006 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2006 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1339 cc |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
