3 Series E90 vs Civic VIII (FD/FK): which is better?
BMW 3 Series E90 (2005–2012) vs Honda Civic VIII (FD/FK) (2005–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 3 Series E90
Honda Civic VIII (FD/FK)Specifications
| BMW 3 Series E90 | Honda Civic VIII (FD/FK) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2005–2012 | 2005–2011 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 (320i) | 1.8 |
| Power, up to | 156 hp | 140 hp |
| Torque, up to | 200 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 520 mm | 4 545 mm |
| Width | 1 817 mm | 1 750 mm |
| Height | 1 421 mm | 1 435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 760 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 15 075 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 3 Series E90
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Honda Civic VIII (FD/FK)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Which one to choose
- 3 Series E90 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Civic VIII (FD/FK) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 Series E90 or Civic VIII (FD/FK)?
3 Series E90: up to 156 hp, Civic VIII (FD/FK): up to 140 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 Series E90 — about 16 475 ₸, Civic VIII (FD/FK) — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
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