2009 BMW 116 vs. 1974 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 116 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 116 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1974 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 116 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 2009 BMW 116. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2009 BMW 116 (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 116 | 1974 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 116 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2210 mm |
