1997 BMW 850 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (139 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 665 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 850 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1799 cc |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
