1998 BMW 320 vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 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 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 320 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
