1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 BMW 730
To start off, 2012 BMW 730 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 730 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 730 weights approximately 973 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 730 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 730. 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 730 (540 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2012 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2012 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 730 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 82 L |
