1981 Honda Civic vs. 2004 BMW 325
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 763 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 325 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 2004 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2004 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2004 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2004 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
