2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 12 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 695 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 2008 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
