1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 525 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
