1984 Honda Civic vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 316 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 316 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 2012 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2012 BMW 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2012 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 316 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1811 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 57 L |
