2009 BMW 118 vs. 1971 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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 118 (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1971 Honda Life | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 118 | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 61 L |
