2012 Honda Insight vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 129 kg more than 2012 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 316 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 2004 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Insight | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Insight | 316 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1246 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4376 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1694 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1427 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
