1998 BMW 320 vs. 1984 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP) has 70 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1984 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1984 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1984 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 320 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
