1969 Honda S800 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1969 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1969 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 410 kg more than 1969 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Honda S800 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 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S800 | A |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
