1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 BMW 320
To start off, 2011 BMW 320 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic.
Because 2011 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2011 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
