1981 Honda Accord vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Accord | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
