1988 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 940 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 Honda Civic (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1986 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 316 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
