2008 Honda Civic vs. 2011 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2011 BMW 1 Series is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 285 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 1 Series 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 1 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (119 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2011 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
