1981 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Honda Civic
To start off, 2010 Honda Civic is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2010 Honda Civic. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2010 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Honda Civic weights approximately 85 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
Because 1981 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 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Honda Civic. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2010 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 47 L |
