1988 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (117 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 729 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 Honda Civic (156 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 316 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1111 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
