1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 is newer by 16 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 135 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 135. 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, 2012 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 135 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1412 mm |
