1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 125 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 2011 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade, 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, 2011 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Ballade | 125 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 53 L |
