2009 Honda Civic vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 52 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2012 BMW 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.1 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
