2009 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 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 231 more horse power than 2001 Honda Civic. (183 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (160 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2001 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
