1972 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 988 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Honda Civic, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3080 mm |
