1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 15 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2011 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 519 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2011 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 540 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1216 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
