2003 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Honda Civic

To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 545 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic. 2005 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 BMW 520 2005 Honda Civic
Make BMW Honda
Model 520 Civic
Year Released 2003 2005
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2170 cc 1493 cc
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 167 HP 67 HP
Engine RPM 6100 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 210 Nm 135 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4200 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.7:1 9.0:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1670 kg 1125 kg
Wheelbase Size 2890 mm 2690 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 50 L