2004 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 8 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 553 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 2004 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 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
