1998 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,893 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP) has 73 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
