1996 BMW 540 vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 890 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1997 Honda Civic | |
Make | BMW | Honda |
Model | 540 | Civic |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1395 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 955 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |