1988 BMW M5 vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP) has 244 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 938 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M5 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 M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M5 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2330 mm |
