1988 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
