2008 BMW 523 vs. 1998 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1998 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 523 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
