1996 Honda Accord vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 17 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 325 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (200 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord. 1996 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Accord | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
