1996 Honda Accord vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord, 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Accord | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
