1996 BMW 316 vs. 2002 Honda Civic

To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Civic (157 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 316 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2002 Honda Civic.

Because 1996 BMW 316 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 1996 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Honda Civic (179 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.

Compare all specifications:

1996 BMW 316 2002 Honda Civic
Make BMW Honda
Model 316 Civic
Year Released 1996 2002
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1594 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 101 HP 157 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6300 RPM
Torque 150 Nm 179 Nm
Torque RPM 3900 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 72 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.7:1 9.8:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1310 kg 1264 kg
Vehicle Length 4440 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1500 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 65 L 50 L