1986 BMW Z1 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 212 kg more than 1986 BMW Z1.
Because 1986 BMW Z1 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 1986 BMW Z1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1986 BMW Z1 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z1 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
