1998 BMW 320 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 308 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 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 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 320 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
