2009 BMW 125 vs. 1971 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 1035 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 125 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 125. 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 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1971 Honda Life | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 125 | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 61 L |
