1980 BMW M5 vs. 1982 Honda Civic

To start off, 1982 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1982 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1982 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 606 kg more than 1982 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1980 BMW M5 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 1980 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

1980 BMW M5 1982 Honda Civic
Make BMW Honda
Model M5 Civic
Year Released 1980 1982
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3453 cc 1335 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 218 HP 59 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 304 Nm 93 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93.4 mm 72 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84 mm 82 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 8.4:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1391 kg 785 kg
Vehicle Length 4620 mm 3770 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1590 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2640 mm 2330 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 40 L