1997 BMW S3 vs. 1987 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW S3 weights approximately 468 kg more than 1987 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW S3 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 S3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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 S3 (330 Nm) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1987 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | S3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
