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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 4000 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. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 87 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 2009 Honda Civic (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2204 cc |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
