2008 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
