1981 BMW 528 vs. 2004 Honda Civic

To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 108 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (155 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 BMW 528 2004 Honda Civic
Make BMW Honda
Model 528 Civic
Year Released 1981 2004
Body Type Sedan Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2788 cc 1668 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 181 HP 108 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 240 Nm 155 Nm
Torque RPM 4200 RPM 4300 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 75 mm
Engine Stroke Size 80 mm 90 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 10.0:1
Top Speed 212 km/hour 187 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1300 kg 1192 kg
Vehicle Length 4630 mm 4150 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 50 L