1972 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 40 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1123 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (100 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | E |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1798 kg |
