1996 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Honda Civic
To start off, 1999 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1999 Honda Civic. (167 HP @ 7600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1999 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Civic. (166 Nm @ 6300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1999 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 523 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
