1988 BMW M3 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 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 2012 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 2 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 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, 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1198 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
