1981 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 109 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 518 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 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
Make | BMW | Honda |
Model | 518 | Civic |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1339 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 99 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1249 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1785 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |