1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 24 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 (226 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic. 2012 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 525 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
