1981 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Honda Civic
To start off, 2010 Honda Civic is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Honda Civic weights approximately 26 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2010 Honda Civic | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
