2009 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1983 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1983 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
