2004 Honda Civic vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (123 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 636 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (151 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2004 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2004 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1154 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
