1970 Honda Z vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda Z would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1970 Honda Z. (37 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 1105 kg more than 1970 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda Z, 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda Z. (45 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda Z. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1970 Honda Z has manual transmission. 1970 Honda Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda Z | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z | 450 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 37 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2820 mm |
