2009 BMW X3 vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 BMW X3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW X3 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW X3 weights approximately 871 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW X3 | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | X3 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 40 L |
