1996 Honda Civic vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 17 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), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 925 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 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 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 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2132 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1559 mm |
