1988 BMW M3 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 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 81 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 71 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 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, 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
