2009 BMW 120 vs. 1973 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1973 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 120 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2210 mm |
