2008 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 120 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 2008 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 120 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
