1970 Honda S800 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1970 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 530 kg more than 1970 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda S800. (67 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda S800 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S800 | A |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 54 L |
