1964 Honda S500 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1964 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1964 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 515 kg more than 1964 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Honda S500 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 1964 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Honda S500 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S500 | A |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 491 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 54 L |
