2009 Honda Civic vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 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 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 520. 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 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Civic | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
