1996 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP) has 190 more horse power than 2011 Honda Civic. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 312 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 M3 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 M3. 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 M3 (350 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
